Brettonwood High School is a well-established public co-educational secondary school in Durban, South Africa, located in the Umbilo suburb at 399 Oliver Lea Drive (near Brettonwood Avenue, after which it’s named).
It opened in January 1966 as Brettonwood Boys’ High School with an initial enrollment of around 110 boys, later becoming co-ed. The school motto is “Audacior” (meaning “very bold” or “daring”), reflecting its ethos of boldness and excellence.
Brettonwood has a rich history as one of Durban’s schools embracing cultural diversity early on—it was the first high school in the city to implement transformation in 1974, and by the 1990s, it had its first principal of colour (Alex Nabbi in 1996), symbolizing Durban’s “rainbow nation” spirit.
The school emphasizes excellence in academics, sports, and arts, offering a range of subjects, extracurriculars, and activities. It has faced challenges like flood damage in recent years (e.g., 2022 assistance with infrastructure like desks from donors), but continues to thrive with a focus on opportunities for all learners.
Notable alumni include:
- Ayanda Borotho — actress
- Gary Anderson — former NFL placekicker
- Khaya Dladla — TV/radio personality and actor
It’s active online with an official website (brettonwoodhighschool.co.za), Facebook pages, and Instagram (@brettonwoodhighschool), where they share events, achievements, and student life.
Here are some visuals of the school, including its entrance, buildings, and students in action: