U.K. Government Revamps Music Education, Sheeran Celebrates

As of November 5, 2025, the U.K. government has announced significant changes to the country's National Curriculum, addressing concerns raised by singer-songwriter Ed Sheeran and his charitable organization, the Ed Sheeran Foundation. The revisions aim to "revitalize arts subjects" and scrap the controversial English baccalaureate program, which had long faced criticism for excluding the arts and vocational subjects.

Sheeran, who credits his own music education for his success, welcomed the changes. In an Instagram post, he expressed that the new curriculum "gives young people hope and the opportunity to study music," addressing "key points" from the open letter he and other music luminaries sent to the government this past summer. The letter had called for a £250 million investment to "repair decades of dismantling music" education.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer responded to Sheeran, affirming that the review places "creative subjects firmly at the center" and will ensure "every child has access to those experiences." While Sheeran acknowledged there is more work to be done, he sees this as a positive step forward in supporting music teachers and providing all students the chance to discover the transformative power of music.