Music curriculum in England changed following Ed Sheeran’s open letter to Keir Starmer
Ed Sheeran has successfully helped change the music curriculum in England after months of campaigning.
In March, Sheeran wrote an open letter, which was supported by more than 600 names in the music industry, including Robert Plant, Eric Clapton, Elton John, Harry Styles, Annie Lennox, Central Cee, Sleaford Mods, and Stormzy, to Prime Minister Keir Starmer.
In the initial letter, he wrote, “We are at a critical point: a future of no music in state schools, no music teachers to teach, broken instruments and no grassroots venues. As a young music student and aspiring artist, I benefited from opportunities in and out of school to learn & grow. Unfortunately, after decades of defunding and de-prioritising, music is no longer a right for all children – it’s a luxury for only a few.”
Sheeran had asked for a £250 million package to enhance musical education in England in the letter.
Starmer has now described the letter as “powerful”. It was also referenced by Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, in her curriculum review speech. She acknowledged, “Our creative industries are a source of such national pride. But as Ed Sheeran said so powerfully, we can’t continue to lead on the world stage without a broad base in our schools at home.”
Phillipson added, “The arts should be for all, not the lucky few…we’ll revitalise arts education – putting it back at the heart of a rich and broad curriculum.”
In response to the curriculum change, Sheeran explained how he formed The Ed Sheeran Foundation at the start of the year because “every child deserves to have access to a meaningful music education, and the chance to experience the joy and confidence that musical expression can bring”, which is why he wrote the letter.
He noted: “With the help of the letter and everyone who signed it, I’m happy to say that some of the key points we raised have been recognised by the government today, marking the first change to the music curriculum in over 10 years. This involves diversifying the music genres taught in schools and removing outdated systems that stop kids from studying music and the arts as part of their school day. These changes give young people hope and the opportunity to study music.”
Sheeran also said of the vital role that musical education played in his own career, “Without the encouragement I received in school, especially from my music teacher, I wouldn’t be a musician today, and I know so many of my peers feel the same. My music education went beyond learning and playing. It helped me find confidence in myself, and music itself was – and still is – so important for my mental health.”
In a statement of his own, Starmer said that the open letter that Sheeran wrote was a reminder that “creativity matters”.
He added, “I wanted you to know that your voice has been heard. The review places creative subjects firmly at the centre. We are revitalising arts education, strengthening music and drama, and launching a new National Centre for Arts and Music Education to support teachers and raise standards.”
Starmer, who took violin lessons at school with Fatboy Slim, signed off by discussing his own musical education, sharing, “Learning music at school made a huge difference to my life. We will make sure every child has access to those experiences—from arts and culture to nature and civic engagement—so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
Sheeran’s full statement is available to read below.
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