Brettonwood High School, in Durban, South Africa, opened in January 1966, is named after Brettonwood Avenue, which is at the intersection of the main entrance. It was first known as Brettonwood Boys’ High School until it became co-educational in 1974 when the first girls walked through the gates.

The school’s motto is “Audacior”, meaning very bold, extremely courageous, more daring (than the rest). This motto is apt for a school that always endeavors to produce learners that dare to rise above their circumstances and develop into citizens of the world.

The first headmaster was Cyril Harcourt, an Englishman who had served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War. His English background was evident in the traditions introduced into the school.

In the school’s first year there were four classes, two of standard 6 and two of standard 7. In 1969 the school had its first matriculation class.

Brettonwood continually proves to be an institution that embraces equality and diversity, being the first school of transformation in Durban to stand against segregation and enroll equal numbers of white learners and learners from other race groups in 1991. Following this trend, Mr Alex Nabbi was then appointed as the first principal of colour in 1996, following the introduction of a democratic government.