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FROM ONE SMALL ACRE

The Story of Clifton

After retiring in 1923, Harry Stubbs, the founding headmaster of Durban Preparatory High School (DPHS), established Clifton Preparatory School on 5 February 1924. His home, at 102 Lambert Road, provided on just one acre, the classrooms needed for the small number of boys who enrolled at the time. The school, initially named “Stubbs’ School for Boys”, was later renamed “Clifton” by his daughter Dorothy in memory of her late cousin, Clifford Plimsoll, and in recognition of Clifton College in Bristol, which her father admired.

  • 1924
  • 1927
  • 1937
  • 1938
  • 1941
  • 1942
  • 1944
  • 1956
  • 1959
  • 1964
  • 1974
  • 1977
  • 1984
  • 1988
  • 2002
  • 2004
  • 2006
  • 2012
  • 2018
  • 2020
  • 2021
  • 2022
  • 2023
  • 2024

A single-story block of 3 rooms was built next to the main building.

The original 1924 single-story building was refurbished with the addition of an upper story - now all forming the core of the JP Block.

Kenneth Haworth, an Oxford graduate and Hilton College master, purchased the school from Mrs Stubbs.

The current school badge and motto was introduced by Mr Haworth with red introduced as an additional school colour. The rugby strip of black and white was also introduced.

The swimming pool was opened – only the third of its kind in the city at the time.

Anthony ‘Tim’ Sutcliffe, a Cambridge graduate and Hilton College master, was recruited by Mr Haworth. ‘Spring Grove’ Farm was bought to establish Clifton Nottingham Road as a response to a perceived threat of attack on Durban during the war. Mr Sutcliffe remained behind to look after the Durban school.

Safari suits were introduced as the school uniform, replacing the white shirts and shorts adopted in the ‘20s.

A half-acre plot was purchased next to 102 Lambert Road as a playground for the prep school boys. A classroom block was built with funding from the Oppenheimer Trust.

The school purchased a hall from the Baptist Church and it was used for assemblies and concerts until 1974 when it became a classroom block until its demolition in 2023.

Properties along Innes Road, which were purchased in the early 1960s, were demolished to make way for a cricket oval. This oval, now known as the Kevin Whitehead Oval, was inaugurated by a match between Clifton Durban and Clifton Nottingham Road on 20 February.

Jubilee Hall was built on the old playground and was named to mark the 50th Anniversary of the foundation of the school.

First ‘non-white’ children enrolled onto the Preparatory School register – thus defying Apartheid legislation.

Mr Seymour retired and Mr Kevin Whitehead assumed the reins of the Prep School.

Property next to Jubilee Hall was purchased. Now called Heritage House – the building was originally used for prep music but later given over to use as classrooms for Clifton College.

Mr Brian Mitchell was appointed to head the Prep on the retirement of Mr Whitehead. A College was opened on 23 January with 12 Grade 8s in what has become known as Founders’ House. Mr Michael Thiel was appointed as first Headmaster of the College.

Mr Mitchell was appointed as first Executive Headmaster of the whole school. Mr Michael Foster and Mr Hubert Goedeke were appointed as Principals of the Preparatory School and College respectively.

First Grade 12 class matriculates.

First Grade R Class of 2001 matriculates.

Uzalo House opened after two years of construction.

Clifton Durban Creativity and Learning Innovation Centre opened.

The second story for the expanded Junior Primary is opened.

Mr Clyde Mac Donald was appointed Executive Headmaster.

Whitehead Oval was expanded, and Prep Academic Block was opened after a year of construction. Prep XV beats DPHS XV is an historic win.

Clifton celebrated its Centenary year. The opening of Centenary House and the reintroduction of boarding after 82 years took place in January.

Honouring a Century of Legacy

The Heritage Trail
and Heritage Centre

Without any artefacts with which to create a museum, the decision was made to use the campus as an open-air ‘exhibition’. This resulted in the development of the Heritage Centre which was opened in 2019 and celebrates the history of the school from its founding in 1924 to date, through the use of photographs and historical items.

To complement the opening of the Heritage Centre was the creation of the Heritage Trail. Scattered at various points throughout the school, are panels that speak to the history of the school by referencing the architectural context. Guided by a map, these panels give the reader an overview of the school’s growth, its charming characters, and anecdotal moments through text and photographs. In this way, the Heritage Trail has evolved into a lively, interactive, and multidimensional experience. Most importantly, the panels have brought the history of the school into the daily lives of the boys, as they walk past between classes and on the way to the refectory.

The Heritage Trail moved into its second phase, introducing ‘red plaques’, similar to the blue heritage plaques in the UK. These plaques will celebrate the achievements of well-known old boys such as Barry Richards, Tony Leon, and Patrick Lambie, but also past pupils such as Yashin Ramkissoon (the first young person of colour admitted to the school after the repeal of apartheid legislation) and Ian Robertson, National Union of South African Students (NUSAS) president and 1960s political activist. By linking the panels, the red plaques will visually honour the school’s history and our distinguished old boys.

The Celebration
of 100 Years

In 2024, Clifton celebrated 100 years since its establishment as a boys’ preparatory school. The centenary year was filled with numerous events, starting with the Centenary Assembly on 5 February and ending with the Remembrance Day Service and unveiling of the ‘Centenary Poppy Project’ art installation. Highlights included the commissioning of a special song and the whole school appearing on the field in the shape of ‘100’.

More details of the year that was can be found in the Centenary Commemorative Brochure which can be downloaded.

The Centenary SongThe Centenary Brochure

The Digital Archives

In our centenary year, we introduced our digital archives for the Clifton community to enjoy at no cost. The archives feature a collection of old photographs, scrapbooks, and magazines from the school’s history.
The digital archive
Highlights from Clifton's History

Did You Know?

The building known as ‘Stubbs House’ was originally a private residence called ‘Townsleigh’. It was bought by Harry Stubbs in 1915 when he was Headmaster of Durban Preparatory School.

When Harry Stubbs opened Clifton on 5 February 1924 it continued as his residence, but the ground floor was converted into classrooms and a dining hall; whilst some boys, as boarders, slept in dormitories on the enclosed upstairs verandahs.

Stubbs House’ has served various purposes over the years but now is used as the Prep Library, IT Centre, and classrooms.

From 1930 – 1931, well-known Apartheid Activist, Helen Joseph, then known as Miss Fennell, taught at the Prep School!

Helen Joseph had befriended Harry Stubbs’ daughter, Dorothy while they were studying in London.

Helen had taken a job in India in the late 1920s and was returning to England when she was offered a post at Clifton to replace Dorothy Stubbs who was getting married.

Helen married a local dentist, Billy Joseph. In due course Helen became a social worker and began a journey of activism, embodied in her being part of the Women’s March to Union Buildings on 9 August 1956.

In 2020, the Prep School Library, now situated in Stubbs House, was named in her honour.

The school motto of Prodesse Quam Conspici was only introduced in 1938 by the Headmaster, Kenneth Haworth.

The motto was at the time being used by the ‘Rydal School’ in Colwyn Bay in North Wales; of which Mr. Haworth was a past pupil, having attended it from 1916 – 1920!

The earliest evidence of the use of the motto can be traced back to John Somers, 1st Baron Somers who was the Lord Chancellor of England under King William III and who chose the saying when he was granted a coat-of-arms in 1697.

Prodesse Quam Conspici –

To be humble in your achievements

‘Founders’ House’ was built in the 1920s and was originally called ‘Chesterfield’. It was built by the owner of the Coronation Brick Company as a wedding present for his bride.

The building remained a private residence until it was purchased by the school to house the newly established College which opened in 2002.

Founders’ House has always served as a College classroom block and now also is where the Heritage Centre can be found.

The President of the National Union of South Africa Students (NUSAS), Ian Robertson (Clifton Prep 1954 – 1958), received a banning order under the Suppression of Communism Act of 1950 when he was banned by the government only a month before Senator Robert Kennedy’s visit to South Africa in 1966.

Robertson was instrumental in inviting Senator Kennedy to be the keynote speaker at NUSAS’ Day of Affirmation. Because he was banned at the time of the visit, Robertson was not able to attend Senator Kennedy’s speech at the University of Cape Town. Senator Kennedy visited him at his apartment on the way in from the airport.

The bell that is situated in the Prep School is known as the Miller Memorial Bell and was donated by Keith Miller (Clifton Prep Old Boy 1954 – 1959) in memory of his parents who tragically died in an accident.

Apparel & Memorabilia

The Cliffhanger

‘The Cliffhanger’ school shop stocks a wide range of branded items for sale to the Clifton community of boys, parents, and old boys.

Shop now