Bredasdorp High School
Bredasdorp High School
Arbeid Adel
A proud legacy of education, excellence and community since the earliest days of Bredasdorp.
A proud legacy of education, excellence and community since the earliest days of Bredasdorp.
The history of High School Bredasdorp is closely linked to the history of Bredasdorp itself. Since the earliest years of the town’s development, education has played a central role in shaping generations of learners and contributing to the growth of the community.
From humble beginnings in church buildings and private schools to the thriving institution we know today, the school has remained committed to excellence, character and opportunity.
1838
Bredasdorp Town Established
1914
First Bredasdorp School Built
1957
Current School Building Inaugurated
1984
Heldersig Hostel Inaugurated
Bredasdorp itself originated when plots on the farm Langefontein were sold from 16 May 1838. From the earliest times, the Dutch Reformed Church (NG Kerk) played a major role in the establishment and even the operation of the school in Bredasdorp. The first small school was started in 1840 by J.D. Ungerer, the sexton of the Dutch Reformed Church, with a single table donated by the church. Mr Ungerer served as the schoolmaster.
Mr Hendrik Matthee started a small private school in the building next to the church sometime between 1840 and 1850. However, this school eventually closed down, and a second small private school was established in 1850 by Mr Diak, the Scottish postmaster. In 1858, Mr Pieter Smee, who was Dutch, started a school in the consistory room of the Dutch Reformed Church.
The history of the public school in Bredasdorp follows hereafter by means of a timeline:
Circa 1863 (approximately a quarter of a century after the founding of Bredasdorp): The “Geelskooltjie” (Little Yellow School)—the first public school—is established.
1906: The first school board is formed. They plan and construct a school building. The student enrolment is approximately 100 pupils.
Principals served in the following chronological order: Mr PE Roux; Mr du Toit; Mr JJ Langenegger; Mr MF Toerien; Mr J Burger.
1912: Enrolment increases to 200 pupils. Mr J Siebrits serves as principal until 1917.
1914: The current school building in Long Street is officially opened.
1917: Mr LW Lieberberg becomes the school principal.
1918: The first matriculants graduate from Bredasdorp School.
A school hostel is constructed, under the guidance of and funded by the church
A girls' hostel is built to accommodate the growing number of pupils.
The primary and high schools separate, but continue to operate together on the Long Street premises.
Mr Lieberberg retires and Mr AS du P le Roux is appointed as principal.
The current school crest is designed by Mr WL Meyers, the woodwork teacher. The first school magazine, titled "Die Bredasdorper", is printed.
The school is connected to electricity, receiving lights and a radio.
Mr SCA Weich is appointed as principal.
A uniform school dress code is introduced.
The new school on the current premises in Bond Street is officially opened.
Bredasdorp High School becomes a B-grade school.
The current school hall is completed.
A third tennis court is built. Fundraising begins for an athletics track, a third rugby field, a cricket pitch, and concrete pavilions.
Bredasdorp High School establishes its own hostel (Heldersig Koshuis) on the current premises in Van Riebeeck Street, housing approximately 65 boys and girls.
The high school launches its own school newspaper named LetterKletter, published three times a year.
Bredasdorp High School, Hermanus High School, and Overberg High School launch the Interschools Athletics Competition.
Enrolment grows to over 500 pupils.
Bredasdorp High School celebrates its 75th anniversary on the new Bond Street premises.
Bredasdorp High School purchases a brand-new, 65-seater Mercedes bus.
The current school hall is extended to accommodate the growing student numbers.
WHERE WE COME FROM
The story of High School Bredasdorp continues to be written by every learner, educator and family who forms part of our school community.
Ready to Join the Bredasdorp High School Family?
Begin your journey with a school built on tradition, excellence and opportunity.
“Arbeid Adel”
Developing confident learners through academic excellence, character development and community involvement.
📍 Bredasdorp, Western Cape
📞 028 424 1210
✉ admin@hsbredasdorp.co.za
🌐 hsbredasdorp.co.za
Developed by DropIT Productions
Ready to Join the Bredasdorp High School Family?
Begin your journey with a school built on tradition, excellence and opportunity.
“Arbeid Adel”
📍 Bredasdorp, Western Cape
📞 028 424 1210
✉ admin@hsbredasdorp.co.za
🌐 hsbredasdorp.co.za
Developed by DropIT Productions