It was known as Brettonwood Boys' High School until it became co-educational at the start of the academic year in January 1974.

[1] The school's motto is "Audacior", meaning very bold, extremely courageous, more daring (than the rest).

The first headmaster was Cyril Harcourt, an Englishman who had served with the Royal Navy during the Second World War.

The school uniform was a black blazer with badge, long grey trousers (envoy 4244 "Special Grey for Brettonwood" with 1 inch Turn ups), white shirt, black shoes and a boater.

During the initial years sports were restricted to rugby, cricket and athletics.