After being kicked out of his band, Dewey Finn becomes a substitute teacher. He forms a classroom rock band to compete in a Battle of the Bands contest.

In need of work Dewey Finn (John Ashcroft) pretends to be his friend Ned so he can earn a living after he was kicked out of the band. He slacks off until he discovers the class can play music. He then creates the School of Rock to play in the battle of the bands.—Kevin O'Connor