St Mary’s School in Ascot has applied for planning permission to install new and improved sports facilities aimed at safeguarding year‑round training for pupils and expanding capacity for competitive teams.
What’s proposed
The independent day and boarding school has submitted plans for:
- Two covered tennis/netball courts;
- One additional outdoor court;
- Two covered padel courts.
The application states these measures are needed to support growing participation and competitive success in several sports, and to reduce reliance on good weather for lessons and matches.
Why the school says the works are necessary
Netball at the school has increased notably in recent seasons, the plans say, with both the under‑14 and under‑16 teams qualifying for regional finals for the first time in the past year. The school argues that a covered training area is required so pupils can practise throughout the year and maintain coaching standards.
“Netball at St Mary’s School Ascot continues to go from strength to strength, with increasing participation and notable competitive success driving the need for high‑quality facilities to support ongoing growth,”
Tennis is also highlighted as extensively popular: the application states the school delivers more than 250 tennis lessons each week and that tennis is provided to about 63 per cent of pupils. The school says limited space and the current dependence on weather curtail expansion and force much competitive activity into the summer term.
Padel and future demand
Two covered padel courts are included in the proposals. The school describes padel as “one of the fastest‑growing racket sports” and says improved provision is necessary to meet demand, though the application does not set out plans for community access or wider public use.
| Facility | Proposed number |
|---|---|
| Covered tennis/netball courts | 2 |
| Outdoor court | 1 |
| Covered padel courts | 2 |
The planning application emphasises that winter rain and ice frequently disrupt lessons, reducing teaching quality and progress. A covered tennis facility, the school argues, would allow more tournaments to be hosted on site and ease pressure on courts currently shared between football, netball and hockey.
The proposals will be considered by the local planning authority. Neighbours and other interested parties will have the opportunity to view the application and submit comments during the statutory consultation period.
Parents and residents seeking further detail should consult the planning portal of the Royal Borough to read the full application documents and accompanying statements.
Leo Wright
Slough Correspondent, InfoRadar
