UK private school submits plans for major expansion

Two new padel tennis courts are being planned at Radley College near Abingdon under new proposals put to Vale of White Horse District Council.

Padel tennis is the fastest growing sport in the world right now, with figures from the Lawn Tennis Association showing more than 400,000 people were playing the sport in the UK last year.

Close to one million people in the UK play the sport now.

Prefects at Radley College (Image: Andrew Walmsley/Radley College)

And with more than 760 pupils enrolled at the boarding school, the college is seeking to “enhance” its extracurricular offer with more recreational opportunities.

Radley College is set among 800 acres and the new courts would be made within the northern part of the campus within the athletic track.

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The site forms part of a wider complex of Radley College sports facilities, comprising a hockey pitch and athletics track, as well as the rowing tank, strength and conditioning building and tennis courts.

An agent for the college said on its behalf: “In principle, the development is considered to be appropriate given its location within an established educational and sporting campus.

“The provision of padel courts will enhance the college’s sporting and extracurricular offer which is an important consideration within the context of a full-time boarding community.

Image of paddle players behind a net (Image: Archive)

“As such, the proposals are considered to accord with national and local policy objectives in respect promoting good health, wellbeing and physical activity.”

As well as the courts, the college would also equip the courts with external enclosures, lighting, alterations to the astro pitch fence and enhancements to the natural habitat around.

Governing body England Athletics warned that access to the courts should be “carefully managed” with a risk assessment.

It said staff should be aware of the potential for wear and tear to the track caused by increased footfall when accessing the courts.

Radley College is a boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18, and earlier this month it received international acclaim when it was included in the Spear’s Schools Index 2026, which named the 100 best private schools in the world.

At the beginning of May last year Radley College and Prep Schools Trust, which includes Cothill House and Chandlings Prep School, announced they were merging in one of the most significant mergers in the charitable independent schools sector.

Chandlings and Cothill, which educate boys and girls from two to 13, are located close to Radley College – one of three remaining full boarding schools for boys aged 13-18.

A decision on the padel courts will be made by Vale of White Horse District Council at a later date.