A new music school is set to hit Twickenham's York Street as School of Rock prepares to launch its very first UK site in September 2025.

The internationally recognised music franchise will open in the former Barclays Bank building — and it's already causing a buzz in the local community.

To celebrate the grand opening, School of Rock Twickenham is offering free demo sessions for residents who sign up in advance, available exclusively during the first weeks of opening.

Founded in Philadelphia in 1998, School of Rock now operates more than 400 schools across 16 countries, teaching over 70,000 students worldwide.

The Twickenham school is the first in the UK and is being launched by Matias Puga-Hamilton, a Chilean former drummer who owns School of Rock franchises across Latin America, including in Chile, Mexico and Colombia.

Matias Puga-Hamilton is bringing School of Rock to the UK (credit: School of Rock).

Puga-Hamilton holds the master franchise licence for the UK and has chosen Twickenham as the base for the new school.

Speaking to Twickenham Nub News, Matias Puga-Hamilton explained: "The whole area of Richmond is iconic for music.

"It's where the Rolling Stones were born, and Eel Pie Island has a musical history going back to the 1950s.

"Also, because our teaching hours are so intensive, we are more expensive than other music programmes so this area is ideal."

He added: "We found an iconic location in the old Barclays building and have been searching all over London.

"There are lots of musicians here, and lots of children, which is important since our programme is centred around teenagers."

More than £1 million has been invested into restoring the Grade II listed building, to transform it into a "welcoming" and "safe" space for music learning and performance.

The site will feature 14 purpose-built music rooms and aims to create a "club-like" atmosphere for musicians of all ages and skill levels.

"It's super cool to take something traditional and turn it into something rock and roll," said Puga-Hamilton.

"We're creating a space where people feel safe and inspired to learn, whether they're children, teenagers or adults."

School of Rock is expected to open in September this year (credit: Cesar Medina).

The curriculum is tailored by age, starting with 8–12-year-olds attending around two and a half hours per week.

Teenagers typically take on more intensive schedules, rehearsing around four hours per week.

Central to the School of Rock philosophy is the idea of "learning through performance."

"For our core programme, which is for teens aged 13–18, we have a theme each season, like The Beatles, and students are put into casts who then perform live shows at the end of term," Puga-Hamilton added.

While music is at the heart of the experience, Puga-Hamilton emphasised that student safety comes first.

All staff are trained and fully background-checked, and the environment is designed to be both welcoming and professional.

"This is a new concept we are bringing with all our love and care to Twickenham," Puga-Hamilton said.

"I ask everyone to give it a try, they won't regret it. Whether you're a child, teen or adult, and no matter your experience level, if you've ever dreamt of playing, this is the place.

"The community has already been so supportive, and we're excited to be here."

With more than 160 people already expressing interest, School of Rock Twickenham is aiming to welcome 400 new sign-ups by the time it opens its doors.

To find out more or register for a free demo session, visit the School of Rock Twickenham website.