It’s not every day that pop icons shape education policy — but Ed Sheeran’s voice has just helped do exactly that. Following the government’s biggest curriculum review in over a decade, creative subjects like music are finally being given the space they deserve. The changes mark a major step towards a more balanced education — one that values creativity alongside academic rigour.
For parents, it’s a welcome shift. Music isn’t just about learning an instrument or performing on stage; it’s about building confidence, emotional wellbeing, and lifelong skills. As Sheeran himself said, “Without the encouragement I received in school, I wouldn’t be a musician today.”
What’s changing?
After years of concern that arts subjects were being squeezed out by academic targets, the Department for Education has announced sweeping reforms to the national curriculum in England.
The biggest headline: the English Baccalaureate (EBacc) — the performance measure that pushed schools to prioritise subjects like English, maths, science, history, and languages — will be scrapped. The government admits the measure was “too constraining” and discouraged schools from offering a wider range of subjects, particularly in the arts.
Instead, schools will have greater freedom to design broader, more balanced subject pathways. That means students will have more opportunity to study music, art, drama, and design, alongside core academic areas.
Other key reforms include:
- Updated music and creative arts curricula, reflecting modern genres and digital skills.
- More teaching on financial literacy, AI and data science, and spotting misinformation.
- A renewed focus on climate change and diversity within subjects.
- Reduced exam time for GCSEs and stronger emphasis on oracy — speaking, listening, and communication skills.
The first phase of the new curriculum is expected to roll out from 2028, with updated GCSEs in 2029.
Ed Sheeran’s role — and why it matters
Sheeran has long been a passionate advocate for music education. Earlier this year, he co-signed an open letter urging the government to protect access to creative subjects, alongside artists like Harry Styles, Annie Lennox, and Sir Elton John.
When the reforms were announced, Sheeran praised the changes as “giving young people hope and the opportunity to study music”. He added:
“Without the encouragement I received in school, especially from my music teacher, I wouldn’t be a musician today. My music education went beyond learning and playing — it helped me find confidence in myself.”
That personal message matters. For many children, music lessons are where they first discover a sense of voice and belonging.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer also acknowledged the singer’s efforts, writing that his government would “make sure every child has access to those experiences… so that creativity isn’t a privilege, but a right.”
Why this matters for young learners
Creative subjects like music do far more than fill a timetable slot. Research consistently shows that music participation supports:
- Cognitive development — improving memory, attention, and problem-solving.
- Emotional wellbeing — providing a healthy outlet for stress and self-expression.
- Collaboration and communication — skills vital for teamwork in any career.
- Engagement with school — students involved in creative learning are more likely to attend, participate, and achieve.
For children who might not see themselves as “academic”, music can be a doorway to confidence and motivation.
What parents should know
The curriculum reforms are positive news — but there are still challenges ahead.
- Funding and resources: Schools will need investment to deliver high-quality music lessons and provide instruments for every pupil.
- Teacher recruitment: Music specialists are in short supply; ensuring training and support will be crucial.
- Consistency: Some schools already have rich creative programmes, while others struggle. The reforms aim to close this gap, but progress may vary.
Parents can play a key role by:
- Asking their child’s school how it plans to expand creative subjects.
- Encouraging their child’s musical interests — whether through school clubs, local groups, or home practice.
- Supporting campaigns that champion music and arts in education.
Looking ahead
This renewed focus on creativity is long overdue. After a decade of narrow accountability measures, England’s education system is taking a step back towards balance — recognising that success comes in many forms.
As Sheeran’s story shows, nurturing creativity at school doesn’t just produce musicians — it builds confidence, resilience, and imagination. Whether a child ends up on stage, in a lab, or running their own business, those are skills that last a lifetime.
The hope now is that these changes translate from policy to practice — so that every child, in every school, gets the chance to discover the joy of learning through music.