Grey College

Grey College was founded in 1855 and is the third-oldest school in South Africa.

In 1855 Sir George Grey visited the Orange Free State while he was the governor of

the Cape Colony. On 13 October 1855 he donated a sum of money towards the

establishment of an institution for higher education. This money contributed largely

to the capital investment in Grey College and on 17 January 1859 the school opened

its doors for the first time, with Andrew Murray as the first headmaster.

Over the years Grey College and Bloemfontein grew and developed together under

the leadership of headmasters Dr Johannes Brill, James Lyle, Jock Meiring, J.M.B.

Faure, A.K. Volsteedt, J.L. Cronje, Dr M.G. Heyns and Johan Volsteedt. Deon

Scheepers was appointed in 2013 as the headmaster of Grey College Secondary

school.

The secondary and primary sections of the school were initially a unit but were

separated in 1950.  Headmasters C.C.F. Bornman, Steve Strydom and Chris Bester

led Grey College Primary school in essential developments; Jurie Geldenhuys is the

current principal of Grey College Primary school.

Grey College is one of the best-known schools in the country, and is proud of

countless learners who have achieved success in all walks of life. These Old Greys are

successful in South Africa as well as in other countries, and contribute to the

excellent reputation that Grey College has established over the years.

Loyalty to Grey traditions is a hallmark of the Grey boys; the traditions and image of

Grey College unite the learners and establish a strong brotherhood.

Old school buildings have been restored and some have been replaced. These

changes were essential in order to adapt the appearance of the school to a more

modern environment without harming the rich Grey traditions.

Grey College provides a secure and positive school environment in which Grey boys

can experience success and a sense of belonging.  Parallel medium education is one

of the most important benefits of Grey College whereby Afrikaans and English

speaking boys receive tuition in either Afrikaans or English, in separate classrooms. 

This ensures that each language group maintains its own identity and cultural

values.  On the school grounds, in the hostels, at assembly and during extra-mural

activities boys are exposed to both languages, and regular interaction ensures

respect for one another.  A total commitment to respect for the individual,

commitment to excellence, loyalty to Grey traditions, respect for the environment,

and a Christian educational philosophy and practice are the corner stones of our

educational ideal.