The continued rise of schools’ padel in the UK was on full display this weekend as the UK PADEL U15 Schools Championships 2026 delivered record participation and thrilling competition across all categories.

Held on 1 March at Rocket Padel Ilford, this year’s championships welcomed more than 110 players from 17 state and independent schools, making it the largest U15 edition to date. The event featured Boys, Girls and Mixed competitions, showcasing the growing inspiration UK PADEL events are having on Junior and school participation and the emerging depth depth of talent in the sport at grassroots level.

A Championship on the Rise

Now in its second year, the U15 Schools Championships has quickly established itself as a key fixture in the junior schools calendar, sitting proudly alongside the U13 and U18 editions.

The format we choose for these events, timed competition with every match capped at 20 minutes from the group stages through to the finals, proved again to be a huge success. Fast-paced and energetic, it kept players constantly engaged, encouraged focus and teamwork, and ensured everyone was active throughout the day.

With the countdown buzzer always in sight, matches were played at high intensity, adding an extra layer of excitement and urgency. The format delivered not just competitive padel, but genuine fun and fitness benefits for the hundreds of pupils involved as well as their teachers and parents cheering from the sidelines.

Several ties went right down to the whistle, with some matches remarkably ending level across both pairs, a testament to the competitiveness and spirit matches were played in.

Nick Baker, CEO of UK PADEL, reflected on the event’s growth:

“It’s been so fascinating and rewarding to watch all the UK PADEL Schools Championships build and grow over the years. This was the second annual U15 Schools Championships, and it was great to see the depth and breadth of the entry.”

This year’s record attendance was matched by a powerful signal of progress on court with three brand-new champions crowned across the Boys, Girls and Mixed events. With new schools entering the competition and immediately making their mark, the results reflected the expanding reach and rising standard of padel nationwide.

Results

Boys Champions – Aylesbury Grammar School

The Boys’ title went to Aylesbury Grammar School, who produced an impressive performance throughout the tournament. In a high-quality final, they overcame newcomers University College School London, who themselves had earned their place by defeating defending champions Whitgift in a classic semi-final encounter.

It was a statement victory from Aylesbury, a state Grammar secondary school marking them as a school to watch in future editions.

Girls Champions – Talbot Heath

In the Girls’ competition, newcomers Talbot Heath delivered a standout debut performance. They defeated defending champions Charterhouse in the final. Their composure and teamwork throughout the event impressed spectators and competitors alike.

Mixed Champions – King Edward’s School Witley

The Mixed competition crown went to King Edward’s School Witley, who triumphed in a hard-fought final against Charterhouse.

With three new names engraved on the trophies this year, the championships highlighted the competitive balance now developing across schools’ padel.

A Growing National Platform

The event was made possible thanks to the continued support of HEAD, official ball sponsors for all UK PADEL 2026 national championships, and the outstanding hosting standards of Rocket Padel Ilford, whose facilities once again provided the perfect stage for junior competition.

As the leading provider of national tournaments in the UK, UK PADEL continues to expand its competitive calendar. Alongside the Schools Championships, it organises flagship events including:

• County Championships
• Universities Championships
• 4 Nations
• The Masters
• School Alumni Championships

The Schools Championships programme spans U18, U15 and U13 age groups, offering a structured competitive pathway for both state and independent schools nationwide.

Looking ahead, attention now turns to what is widely regarded as the largest junior padel competition in the UK the U18 Schools Championships, which will open the next academic year at Rocket Padel Bristol in October.

With participation numbers climbing and standards rising year on year, schools’ padel in the UK is clearly moving rapidly forward.