Cordwalles was founded in 1912 by the Rt Revd Samuel Baines, Bishop of Natal as a preparatory school for Michaelhouse.

Cordwalles consisted of 5 acres (2.0 ha) of land, a house and twelve boys.

In the 1930s the Chapel, Gymnasium, Swimming Pool as well as additional classrooms, dormitories and land were added.

From the 1950s further dormitories together with a Kitchen block, Sanatorium, and enlarged Dining Hall, Science Laboratory, Library and Staff Houses were constructed.

The 1960s saw the development of the double storey block, the five sports fields and the four tennis courts.