Our History

Grey College, a distinguished South African institution, is an exclusive parallel medium school for boys. In 1855, Sir George Grey, the governor of the Cape Colony, made a philanthropic gesture by donating funds towards the establishment of a higher education institution during his visit to the Orange Free State. This generous contribution significantly bolstered the capital investment of Grey College, which officially commenced operations on January 17, 1856, under the leadership of Mr Andrew Murray as its inaugural headmaster.

Initially established as a combined campus, Grey College underwent a pivotal transition in 1950, resulting in the separation of its primary and secondary campuses. Notably, esteemed leaders such as Mr CCF Bornman, Steve Strydom, Chris Bester and Lindsay Mould laid the groundwork that facilitated Grey College’s expansion and advancement as a preeminent educational institution. In 2005, Mr Jurie Geldenhuys assumed the role of a headmaster, overseeing the school’s continued growth and development.

Throughout its illustrious history, Grey College has consistently remained at the forefront of South Africa’s broad spectrum educational landscape, boasting a rich tradition and enduring legacy. Under the stewardship of Mr Jock Meiring, who served as headmaster from 1922 to 1948, Grey College was heralded as a microcosm of excellence. In 1993, the institution proudly welcomed its first generation of learners of colour, a testament to its commitment to inclusivity and transformation through its parallel medium policy.

Since its inception, Grey College has cultivated a culture of resilience and altruism among its students, garnering recognition and reverence for their remarkable attributes. The school’s distinguished reputation was eloquently captured in a newspaper column, where an attendee of an Old Grey dinner envisioned the institution as a beacon of unity in South Africa. The curriculum’s unique structure, accommodating both English and Afrikaans instruction, has yielded exceptional results, with Grey College alumni prominently contributing to society, particularly in the Free State and Transvaal regions.

In 1891, during a visit to Bloemfontein, Cecil John Rhodes lauded Grey College for fostering a sense of camaraderie and promoting its esteemed values among its alumni. Despite its humble beginnings, Grey College has persevered in upholding its core values, thanks to the visionary leadership of figures like Dr Johannes Brill and Mr Jock Meiring, who navigated the challenges posed by conflicts such as the Anglo-Boer War and the World Wars, as well as political upheavals.

Sir George Grey’s visionary philanthropy laid the foundation for Grey College’s enduring legacy, as evidenced by his personal contribution towards its establishment and his aspiration for the institution to perpetually uphold noble values. The Grey trademark, epitomized by its emblem derived from Sir George Grey’s family crest, commands respect both locally and internationally, with the school’s motto, “Stabilis,” symbolising its commitment to stability and excellence.

The tradition of Grey College serves as a cornerstone for its ongoing prosperity, shaping the character and achievements of its students. Noteworthy alumni, such as Morne Du Plessis, a Springbok rugby player and matriculant of 1966, attest to the motivating influence of tradition in upholding the school’s standards and fostering personal growth.

Grey College enjoys widespread renown as one of the country’s premier educational institutions, with its alumni achieving remarkable success on both national and international stages. These “Old Greys” have played a pivotal role in enhancing the school’s prestigious reputation over the years, embodying the enduring legacy of Grey tradition.