First look inside Twickenham’s legendary School of Rock
Twickenham is about to get louder—and cooler. This September, the first UK branch of the legendary School of Rock will open its doors in the former Barclays Bank building at 2 York Street, giving young Londoners their first chance to step into a world where music education meets rock ‘n’ roll culture.
From the outside, the building retains its classic charm, but step inside, and it’s a different story: modern, vibrant, and brimming with energy. The interiors have been transformed into a purpose-built music academy, complete with rehearsal studios, performance stages, and classrooms designed to inspire creativity.
Every corner has been thoughtfully designed to encourage collaboration and play, from brightly lit recording spaces to walls adorned with instruments and music memorabilia.
The new School of Rock promises a hands-on, performance-based approach to music education. Students won’t just sit in a classroom learning theory—they’ll be jamming, performing, and playing the songs they love from day one. Whether they are beginners in the Little Wing program (ages 2-5) or teenagers preparing for live performances in the Performance Program (ages 12-17), every student will experience music in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment.
Chilean entrepreneur Matias Puga, who secured the UK franchise, describes the new space as “an environment that sparks creativity and confidence.” Partnering with Logan Plant, son of Robert Plant, Puga envisions the Twickenham school as a hub for local talent and a home for young musicians to grow.
“This isn’t just a music school—it’s a community. The energy in the building is infectious, and I can’t wait for students to experience it,” says Puga.
The location itself is steeped in musical history. Twickenham’s connections to British rock—Eel Pie Island, the Crawdaddy Club, and legendary acts like The Rolling Stones, Pink Floyd, and David Bowie—make it the perfect backdrop for a school dedicated to inspiring the next generation of rock stars. The new premises reflect that legacy while offering state-of-the-art facilities: soundproofed studios, a performance stage, teaching rooms, and recording equipment that allows students to produce professional-quality music.
Local Riverside Ward Councillor James Chard has praised the project, noting that it will bring both educational opportunities and jobs to the community.
With registration now open, the Twickenham School of Rock promises not only to teach music but to immerse students in the thrill of performing and collaborating in a world-class environment. For anyone curious about the future of British rock, this first look offers a glimpse at the start of something truly exciting.