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.

The singer said in a video that he launched the fund after hearing about the poor state of music education in England from one of his former teachers.

Students have described being "shocked" after pop superstar Ed Sheeran made a surprise visit to their Cardiff school on Thursday. The Shape of You singer performed for a crowd of 2,000 at Fitzalan High School, before moving to a community centre in Splott.

Global superstar Ed Sheeran surprised young, aspiring musicians yesterday (January 9) when he visited Coventry. The singer dropped in to three venues across the city, hosted by Coventry Music, where he was introduced to the service's inclusive programmes and their work.

Ed Sheeran paid a surprise visit to a group of Edinburgh kids as he launched his new foundation supporting music education

Ed Sheeran launches the Ed Sheeran Foundation, which will provide access and funding to music education, instruments, programs, and more for children.

Ed Sheeran surprised a youth choir in Edinburgh by joining youngsters for a performance of one of his number one songs. The music superstar helped pupils from five schools with their rendition of Bad Habits as part of a 100-piece choir at West Pilton Neighbourhood Centre on Friday.