Ed Sheeran helps update music curriculum with open letter to UK government

Ed Sheeran and a host of industry names have successfully helped influence the UK Government to introduce the first major update to the music curriculum in England in more than 10 years. This follows Sheeran’s open letter to the Prime Minister in March this year.

Today, the government has announced new measures in their curriculum review, with one of those reflecting some of the asks raised in Sheeran’s letter: the removal of the EBacc measure, to encourage students to study a greater breadth of GCSE subjects including music and the arts, and the diversifying of genres in the music curriculum.

Today’s news was met with a response from the prime minister, who called Ed’s letter ‘powerful’, alongside Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, who referenced Ed in her curriculum review speech, stating,- “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. 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.”

Since launching the Ed Sheeran Foundation at the start of 2025, Sheeran has campaigned for accessible, meaningful education for all young people. His open letter to the Prime Minister – supported by over 600 leading figures across the music and education industries including Harry Styles, Annie Lennox, Central Cee, Sleaford Mods, and Stormzy – called attention to the critical state of music education and urged the government to protect and expand its reach, in and out of schools. Ed’s letter also spoke to the importance of investing and protecting the pipeline of future musical talent in the UK music industry – a sector that brings in £7.6 billion to the UK economy (UK Music, 2024).

This change marks a significant milestone for the Ed Sheeran Foundation’s mission to ensure that music remains an integral part of every child’s education, regardless of background, location, or resource.

Of today’s news, Sheeran said: “I set up the Ed Sheeran Foundation 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.

“Shortly after setting up my foundation, I wrote an open letter to the Prime Minister about the critical state of music education in the UK and the fact it was slipping through the cracks. The letter was backed by so many incredible people across the music industry and education who all said the same thing: music education matters. The Prime Minister replied, recognising the challenges and expressing his commitment to change.

“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.

“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.

“There’s a lot more to do to support music education, especially our music teachers, but this is a step in the right direction.”

The Prime Minister publicly addressed Sheeran’s impact today with the following response: “Earlier this year, your open letter sent a powerful message: creativity matters. Today, the Government will publish its response to the curriculum review – and 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.

“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.”  

Image credit: Chloe Hashemi