Grey College (Afrikaans: Grey Kollege) is a semi-private English & Afrikaans medium school for boys situated in the suburb of Universitas in Bloemfontein in the Free State province of South Africa, it is one of the 23 Milner Schools.
Grey College was ranked 1st among high schools in Africa by Africa Almanac in 2003 and 2013, based upon quality of education, student engagement, strength and activities of alumni, school profile, internet and news visibility.
Contents
History
The Grey College is named after Sir George Grey, the Cape Colony governor whose substantial donation enabled its establishment. The school was officially opened on 13 October 1855 and the first headmaster was the Reverend Andrew Murray. Believed by scholars and alumni to be the third-oldest school in South Africa, there are in fact several other schools that were established at earlier dates as far back as 1738. With formal education being established later in the northern regions of the country, it is the oldest school north of the Orange River.
During his presidential inauguration speech in 1896, while addressing learners from Grey College, Marthinus Theunis Steyn mentioned that he envisioned a university for Bloemfontein where youth from all over the country could come and study. He supported the idea that Grey College should provide higher education to the people of the Orange Free State. As a result, the University of the Free State essentially came into existence in 1904 when a tertiary portion of Grey College was allocated for such purpose.
Grey College today
The school grounds consist of a number of historic buildings, of which five are Free State provincial heritage sites: the Main building and Hamilton Hall, the Andrew Murray House, the Brill House and the Tuck shop.
The school offers a number of scholarships such as the Badawi Legacy scholarship given in partnership with Montpellier Rugby Club to promote rugby, education and French culture. Old Greys donate funds to the Jock Meiring Trust and Bram Fisher Trust, funds used for the administration of school grounds and granting of scholarships.
Grey College is known nationally for being particularly strong at the sport of rugby, the "secret" handshake, and old boys speaking passionately about their school.
Notable alumni
Laurens van der Post Sir Laurens van der Post was political adviser to British heads of government, close friend of King Charles III, godfather of Prince William, educator, journalist, humanitarian, philosopher, explorer and conservationist.
Ernst Oswald Johannes Westphal, linguist and scholar, of the School of Oriental and African Studies and the University of Cape Town.
Jopie Fourie, military scout & dispatch rider
Etienne Leroux, Afrikaans author and a key member of the South African Sestigers literary movement.
Charl du Plessis, pianist.
Denis Earp, chief of the South African Air Force
Bram Fischer, anti-apartheid activist and advocate for Nelson Mandela in the Rivonia Trial
Steve Hofmeyr, singer, songwriter, actor, political activist
Deneys Reitz, Boer soldier, South African soldier in the First World War, and politician.
Martinus Theunis Steyn, president of the Orange Free State
Pieter Uys, Vodacom CEO
Pierre van Ryneveld, founding commander of the South African Air Force
Athletes
Ryk Neethling, Olympic gold medalist swimmer
Pierre-Gerard Geldenhuys, South African Men's Field & Indoor Hockey
L.J. van Zyl, athlete, Commonwealth Games champion in the 400m Hurdles
Wayde van Niekerk, Olympic Gold Medalist 400m Athlete & World record holder 400m track
Richardt Strauss, Ireland international rugby player
South Africa national cricket team players
Kepler Wessels
Victor Mpitsang
Nicky Boje
Hansie Cronjé (his ashes are kept at the school)
Ryan McLaren
Boeta Dippenaar
Corrie van Zyl
Rilee Rossouw
Gerald Coetzee
Springbok rugby players
CJ van der Linde
Flip van der Merwe
Francois Venter
Popeye Strydom
Deon Stegmann
François Steyn (Rugby World Cup 2007 and (Rugby World Cup 2019 winning teams)
Johan Goosen
Sports
Sources:
Athletics
Chess
Cricket
Cycling
Duathlon
E-Sport
Golf
Gym
Hockey
Pool
Rugby
Squash
Swimming
Table tennis
Tennis
Waterpolo
Wrestling
Subjects
Source:
Arts and Culture
Afrikaans
Business Studies
Computer Application Technology
Economics
Engineering Graphics and Design
English
Geography
German
Life Orientation
Life Science
Mathematics
Mathematical Literacy
Music
Information Technology (Delphi Programming) - Extra Subject
Physical Science
Sport Science
Technology
Tourism