Framlingham, Suffolk – Global music star Ed Sheeran returned to his roots on Monday, performing alongside the orchestra of his former school, Thomas Mills High School, during a special gala concert at Snape Maltings.
The event marked the school’s 45th anniversary and featured a diverse range of musical performances from alumni and current students.
The Suffolk-born singer-songwriter joined the school orchestra for a rendition of his hit song Perfect Symphony, delivering a heartfelt performance that resonated with the audience.
The concert showcased the school’s rich musical heritage, with a programme that included choral arrangements, orchestral pieces, piano solos, and jazz compositions.
Sheeran’s participation in the event comes just days after he called on the UK government to improve music education in schools. In an open letter, he urged authorities to ensure that children from all backgrounds have access to musical opportunities.
The letter, which was supported by prominent artists including Annie Lennox, Harry Styles, and Sir Elton John, highlighted concerns over the state of music education in the country.
Thomas Mills High School, which has been operating as an academy trust since 2011, has long been recognized for its emphasis on the arts.
Sheeran has previously donated to the school and has also established the Ed Sheeran Suffolk Music Foundation, which provides grants to young musicians in the region.
Speaking at the concert, headteacher Philip Hurst praised the role of music in education, emphasizing its value in fostering creativity, teamwork, and personal expression.
“When you play music, you are part of a team, but you can also act as an individual. Your own traits can flourish, and you can enjoy your personality—it’s just so wonderful,” he said.
Hurst also voiced his support for Sheeran’s campaign, noting the disparities in music education across the country.
“For me to be in the audience in this magnificent venue, what better experience could you get? When you think about it, for a state school such as ours, this is relatively rare. Shouldn’t this be something that every child should experience?”
He further stressed the urgent need for government intervention to support music programs in schools.
“I think music education is in a dire state, and honestly, we should be asking how every student in this country can experience what we’ve managed to experience tonight. Even if you can’t play an instrument, you can certainly appreciate the joy and love of music.”
The gala concert, which was attended by parents, teachers, and music lovers, celebrated the school’s longstanding commitment to fostering musical talent.
It also underscored the broader conversation about the accessibility of music education in the UK. With Sheeran’s backing, campaigners hope that more schools across the country will receive the support needed to nurture the next generation of musicians.
As the evening concluded, Sheeran expressed his gratitude for the school’s role in shaping his early musical journey.
“Being back here and performing with these incredibly talented students is a reminder of how important music education is. It’s something we need to protect and invest in,” he said.
This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members
