‘We were all a bit star-struck’: Ed Sheeran hands out alumni awards and gives a speech at his former high school in Suffolk for a special awards night
Ed Sheeran returned to his old high school to present awards to the alumni where he gave a speech during an awards night.
The 31-year-old singer-songwriter urged students to “do what you like to do and work hard at school because it gives you really good routines for the future.”
Sheeran, dressed in a white T-shirt and black jeans, made his surprise appearance Thursday night at an annual awards evening to recognize “commitment to learning” at Thomas Mills Secondary School in Framlingham, Suffolk.
‘Struck star’: Ed Sheeran returned to his old high school, Thomas Mills High School, to hand out alumni awards where he gave a speech on ‘doing what you love’ during an awards night in Framlingham, Suffolk on Thursday night .
He grew up in the city and now lives on a rambling estate, nicknamed Sheeranville by the locals, in a town just a few miles away.
Thomas Mills director Philip Hurst described Sheeran’s visit as “very special”.
He added: “We are delighted that Ed was able to join our awards night and take a break from his busy schedule.
‘He was a great guest with a genuine love for the school and what it seeks to achieve.
“Although we were all a bit dazzled, he is so ordinary and puts people at ease.
Celebration: Sheeran, dressed in a white T-shirt and black jeans, made his surprise appearance Thursday night at an annual awards night to recognize “commitment to learning” (pictured with student)
Homecoming: Grew up in the city and now lives on a rambling estate, nicknamed Sheeranville by the locals, in a town just a few miles away.
“He’s a great role model for our students, and his speech encouraged them to pursue a career in what they love to do, whatever the field.”
Sheeran also took a tour of his school and was “thrilled” to meet some of his former teachers.
Assistant director Adam Chittock said: ‘I think I just wanted to do it.
‘He’s like any student going back to his old school, he loved seeing his old teachers and familiar faces.
‘It’s just that this former student is an internationally renowned music star.’
Award-winning alumnus Tom Turner said it was “incredible” and “amazing” to receive a community service award from the star.
Words of encouragement: The singer-songwriter, 31, urged students to ‘do what you love to do and work hard in school because it gives you really good routines for the future’
Tom, who is the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for Framlingham indie band Ikarus, added: “It was such a surreal experience to have the world’s number one music artist on a stage in front of you.”
Sheeran is well known for his appearances in Suffolk and performed a pop-up concert outside Ipswich town hall in October.
He donated £200,000 to his former school in 2020 to fund musical equipment, computers, photographic equipment and art resources.
Sheeran has also recently been seen wallowing in the rough Norfolk Sea while filming dramatic scenes for a new music video, ahead of the release of his new album.
The drenched star, 31, donned a yellow raincoat for the shoot in which ferocious waves toppled him.
Ed’s latest album titled = went double platinum in 2021 and featured hits like Bad Habits and Shivers.
It comes after his hit Perfect has been revealed as the #1 most played Christmas song ever, beating out several Christmas classics.
The 2017 song held sway despite having no festive overtones, a chart compiled by the Official Charts Company shows, as modern pop proves powerful thanks to the streaming revolution.
Not festive! Ed Sheeran’s hit Perfect has been revealed as the #1 most played Christmas song ever, beating out several Christmas classics.