Exciting News from the Sports Centre
New Padel Courts at Oundle School Sports Centre
We are delighted to announce that planning permission has been granted for four new covered tournament-standard padel courts, bringing one of the world’s fastest-growing sports to Oundle and further expanding opportunities for participation across both the School and the wider local community.
The development will enhance the Sports Centre’s commercial offering, broadening income streams and generating additional revenue to support the ongoing development of facilities and services. It also reflects our continued investment in high-quality sport provision and commitment to increasing access to a diverse range of activities.
The courts will be available to both Sports Centre members and the wider public, helping to meet growing local demand for padel and creating new opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to take part in sport and physical activity.
Located at the front of the existing Sports Centre, the new courts will replace two outdoor netball courts. The design has been carefully developed to minimise any impact on neighbouring properties and on School sporting provision. Covered courts, acoustic treatments, and sensitively designed lighting have all been incorporated to reduce noise and visual impact, enabling the facility to operate responsibly while delivering an excellent playing experience throughout the year.
The courts will operate as a bookable facility through the Sports Centre. In addition to community use, pupils will also have opportunities to experience padel through PE lessons and elective programmes, as part of the School’s broader commitment to sport and physical activity.
Further details regarding opening dates and court bookings will be shared closer to completion.
Frequently Asked Questions
Padel is one of the fastest growing participation sports in the UK and Europe and there is strong demand for the sport among Sports Centre members and within the wider community. The courts are being developed as a commercial facility through Oundle School Enterprises Ltd (OSEL) to enhance the Sports Centre’s offering. The investment will help strengthen the Centre’s long-term sustainability while supporting continued reinvestment in school facilities.
Padel is a racket sport that combines elements of tennis and squash. It is usually played in doubles on an enclosed court and is widely known for being accessible, social and easy to learn. Participation in the sport has grown rapidly across the UK and Europe in recent years.
The courts will operate primarily as a bookable facility through the Sports Centre and will be available to Sports Centre members and the wider community. Alongside this commercial use, pupils will also have opportunities to play padel at dedicated times through PE and Electives.
No. As the courts are primarily a commercial facility, pupil access will be structured through PE and Electives rather than through informal or open access.
No. The courts will replace two outdoor netball courts at the front of the Sports Centre. Following consultation with the Director of Sport and the School’s netball coaches, this will not affect curriculum netball, training provision or the School’s ability to host fixtures.
Yes. The courts will operate primarily as a bookable facility through the Sports Centre and will be available to members and the wider community. Access and pricing will be structured in line with other commercial activities at the Centre, with further details confirmed closer to opening.
Yes. Staff will be able to access the courts through the Sports Centre, with access and pricing structured in line with the commercial operation of the facility.
The project has been carefully financially modelled and approved by the Governing Body as part of the continued development of the Sports Centre’s commercial activity.
The courts will be covered to help reduce potential noise impact. Sound surveys have also been undertaken and the design incorporates acoustic treatments and other measures to minimise impact on neighbouring properties and nearby school facilities.
A planning application has now been submitted. The planning determination period is expected to take approximately four to six months. If approved, construction would begin in late summer and complete in autumn.