Ed Sheeran unveils studios at Thomas Mills in Framlingham

Ed Sheeran returned to Thomas Mills High School in Framlingham to officially open the new studios, further boosting the school's arts offerings.

Mr Sheeran attended the school for several years after growing up in the Suffolk village.

Pupils at Thomas Mills High School, as Ed Sheeran unveils a new recording studio (Image: Tom Cann)

Thomas Mills High School is renowned in the area for what it offers musical students, with regular tours to European countries, Christmas and Easter concerts and the chance to follow in Mr Sheeran's footsteps, as well as Keane member Jesse Quin.

The Thinking Out Loud singer said: "When I was at school there was such an importance on classical music and in the curriculum there wasn’t anything to do with production or songwriting or pop music or anything.

"So now to have somewhere like that for students is great. They can write a song and then the same day record it and have something to take home and learn how to do production."

The recording studio, which has been specially built on the school premises, was made possible through the financial support of the Shape of You singer, through the Framlingham Foundation.

Named the Gingerbread Studios, the space was designed and built by Studio People and Elliston Steady Hawes (Building) Ltd.

At the opening, head of music at the school, Richard Hanley BEM said: "Such an incredible facility will be the envy of other music departments across the land.

Suffolk superstar Ed Sheeran cuts the ribbon to the new studio at his former school (Image: Tom Cann)

"These departments don’t have an ex-student who is an international music megastar, and one who cares deeply about his community, about supporting the next generation of musicians and who is passionate about the importance of music and the arts in schools.

"This is such a wonderful facility for a state school for which we are extremely grateful."
Mr Sheeran has gone back to his old school a number of times since leaving, including for the annual awards evening in December 2022 and for the school's performance of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang last year.

The plaque at The Gingerbread Studios at Thomas Mills High School (Image: Tom Cann)

Thomas Mills High School headteacher Mr Philip Hurst, said: "On behalf of the school community, my sincere thanks to Ed and the Framlingham Foundation for their generous support with this project.

"Ed continues to provide much inspiration to our school community and what we can achieve. He was the perfect guest to open this most amazing resource which will benefit students and the community for generations to come.

"I would like to thank the Music Department and particularly the excellent leadership of Mr Hanley for establishing a superb ethos which has supported musical talent and development over many decades.

Inside the Gingerbread Studio at Thomas Mills High School (Image: Charlotte Bond)

"We now know, sadly, that a thriving music curriculum is unique in the state sector.

"The diminishing of other creative arts, sports and even other key subjects in the system is a travesty for potentially many talented students, as well as the country.

"I thank Mr Hanley and his team for very much bringing alive our aspiration to have a curriculum which allows students to find, and then excel, with their talents."