Ed Sheeran launches new youth music projects with surprise visit to Coventry
The programmes are backed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, aiming to help students find pathways into the music industry and stay engaged at school
Ed Sheeran has paid a surprise visit to Coventry, launching two new music projects for young people in the city.
Both programmes are backed by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, working with Coventry Music and St Giles Trust, aiming to help students find pathways into the music industry and stay engaged at school.
Ahead of his show at the Coventry Building Society Arena, Ed met with pupils and teachers, introducing “Access to Music Industry” and “Your Voice,” which will offer mentoring, tuition, and support to dozens of students over the next year.
The projects are also designed to reflect the diverse cultures of Coventry’s young people and offer specialist support for those at risk of exclusion.
Coventry City Council say the announcement of the new programmes follows ESF’s work in engaging with the UK Government to update the National Curriculum.
The changes, which were announced last month, include two key points ESF advocated for: the removal of the Ebacc system to encourage students to take a wider range of GCSE subjects, including the music and the arts, and the diversifying of genres taught in the music curriculum.
Access to Music Industry is an innovative new partnership between Coventry Music and the Ed Sheeran Foundation, designed to support young people who could benefit from additional guidance as they explore creative pathways.
The visit comes with the news that ESF will fund one young person from each of the secondary schools he met with across the city. The selected students will have access to a dedicated day per week of bespoke provision focused on developing the skills needed to access the music industry. In return, participating schools have committed to fund the future two years of the programme.
Working with Coventry Music, the Ed Sheeran Foundation will bring industry professionals to Coventry throughout 2026 and 2027 to provide students with valuable insights, mentoring and pathways into the music industry.
The second programme which was launched, Your Voice, is a ground-breaking music programme for vulnerable young people.
Delivered in partnership with St Giles and Coventry Music, and funded by the Ed Sheeran Foundation, it is a powerful, music-led intervention service designed to transform outcomes for 11–17-year-olds who are at significant risk of violence and exclusion from education.
Over the next 12 months, 40 young people will access weekly music sessions, trauma-informed mentoring and industry masterclasses to gain accredited music qualifications.
'We are so grateful'
Faye Parklen, Head of Education Entitlement and Enrichment, at Coventry City Council, said: “We are so grateful to Ed and his Foundation for giving Coventry young people an incredible opportunity to take part in a funded programme which will give them a genuine route into the music industry.
"We know that this programme which is being delivered though the Coventry Alternative Provision Pathway will open up opportunities for young people to access different industries. This new programme really shows how working in partnership can make a difference to the lives of young people.”
'Absolutely thrilled'
Mark Steele, Coventry Music Lead at Coventry City Council, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Ed back again to Coventry for his second visit this year.
"His genuine interest in our city’s young people combined with his foundation's commitment to creating lasting opportunities really is making a real difference.
"This new programme will provide crucial support for some of our students, giving them a creative outlet and potential pathway into the music industry.
"The pledge from our headteachers really does demonstrate the city's commitment to ensuring every young person has access to quality music education, regardless of their circumstances."
'Music is a safe outlet'
Tracey Burley, Chief Executive at St Giles Trust, said: "St Giles is deeply grateful to the Ed Sheeran Foundation for supporting this vital area of our work.
"Your Voice will engage young people at risk of violence and exploitation through a powerful combination of music and mentoring.
"For the young people we support, music is more than creativity — it is a safe outlet, a source of motivation, and a bridge into education, wellbeing and the creative industries. This partnership will help young people be heard, heal, and build new futures.”
A 'lasting impact'
Laura Burtonwood, Principle of Cardinal Wiseman School, said: “We were delighted to welcome Ed Sheeran to our school today. His visit was an extraordinary source of inspiration for our pupils, showing them first-hand what can be achieved through hard work, creativity, and perseverance.
"Ed’s warmth, humility, and genuine interest in our young people made a lasting impact, and we are incredibly grateful for the encouragement he has given our school community and the wider Coventry community”
'Shining a spotlight on music'
Dr Renuka Fernando, CEO at the Ed Sheeran Foundation, said: “When Ed and ESF visited Coventry earlier this year, we were inspired by the young talent on the ground.
"After meeting several students, teachers and music staff, it became clear that there was both a real desire and a real need to shine a spotlight on music, not only to ensure young people have the right equipment and opportunities to pursue their passions, but also to strengthen the life skills that music education helps develop.
"As a foundation, we are partnering with organisations at all levels - schools, councils and charities - to give the young people of Coventry the right access to music, which we hope will raise aspiration across the city.
"Music is a transformative, powerful subject that offers invaluable life skills, and it’s important to us that it’s not seen as a luxury but as a pathway all young people can pursue, no matter their background.”