Sheeran has written an open letter to Sir Keir Starmer and other government officials, asking for immediate, long-term funding for UK music education. This comes after the launch of the Ed Sheeran Foundation in January 2025, which aims to provide inclusive, high-quality music education across the country. The letter, which has been signed by more than 500 musicians, including Styles, Central Cee, Coldplay, Stormzy, Elton John, Dave, Yolanda Brown, Myles Smith, Paloma Faith, Annie Lennox, and Sleaford Mods, asks the government to commit £250 million to music education.
This funding would support and focus on five key areas of growth: music funding in schools, training for music teachers, funding for grassroots venues and spaces, music apprenticeships, and a diverse music curriculum. Sheeran said: "As an industry, we bring in £7.6 billion into the UK economy, yet the next generation is not there to take the reins.
"We are writing collectively as artists, civil society and industry, appealing to your personal belief in music and the promise of opportunity for all under Labour." He added: "Learning an instrument and getting up on stage – whether in school or a community club – is now a luxury not every child can afford. "The time to act is now.
State schools – which educate 93 per cent of the country’s children – have seen a 21 per cent decrease in music provision." The letter also calls for a cross-departmental task force to provide the attention, focus, and funding .