Exciting News from the Sports Centre
Oundle School is pleased to confirm that a planning application has been submitted for the installation of four covered padel courts at the Oundle School Sports Centre. If approved, construction would begin in late summer, with completion expected in the autumn.
Padel is one of the fastest‑growing sports in the UK and Europe, and the new courts are designed to respond to strong and growing demand from Sports Centre members and the wider community. By providing covered, tournament‑standard courts, the development will enable year‑round participation while helping to minimise noise and environmental impact. The proposed courts will replace two existing netball courts at the front of the Sports Centre and will include seating and social space to support leagues, coaching programmes and events.
The project will also create opportunities for pupils to engage with this increasingly popular sport. Dedicated pupil access will be offered through PE lessons and the Electives programme, enabling young people to experience padel as part of their broader sporting development.
The planning process is expected to conclude within four to six months. If permission is granted, construction will be carefully phased to minimise disruption to the School and to Sports Centre users.
Oundle School looks forward to keeping the community updated as the project progresses and to expanding the range of high‑quality sports facilities available to members, local residents and pupils alike.
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.