Sheeran started writing songs from a young age, after encouragement from a teacher, and says he wants to help plug the gap left by reduced arts funding. To support the launch of the foundation, the Grammy-winner is visiting schools and youth groups in Cardiff, Coventry, Edinburgh and Belfast.

Ed Sheeran is taking his love for music education to a new level, launching a foundation to ensure that children in the United Kingdom have access to high-quality music education. This initiative is close to the singer-songwriter's heart,

A student who met Ed Sheeran as the star launched a music education foundation, said the meeting was a real surprise. Sheeran took students and staff aback when he toured three Coventry locations, where he also performed on Thursday, as well as playing in Edinburgh and Cardiff.

The Ed Sheeran Foundation will advocate for greater access and funding to be devoted to young people learning instruments, having studio time, and training in all sectors of the music industry