Grey High School

Soon after the landing of the British Settlers in 1820, a small but flourishing settlement existed on the shores of Algoa Bay.Any form of organised education, however, was sadly lacking until the arrival of a Scottish graduate named John Paterson, who must be given most of the credit for establishing a small state-aided school in Chapel Street shortly after his arrival in 1839. He got Sir George Grey interested, and Sir George, being the Governor of the Cape Colony, made land available for endowment and set up a Board of Enquiry in 1855.

Grey High School is a State school and, as such, follows the prescribed GET and FET curricula governing education in the country, although certain additional services are offered.

Grey High School was founded in 1856 and has enjoyed a long association with top quality sport. Over the years, many provincial and international players in a wide variety of sports have been drawn from our ranks and currently there is still an abundance of talent to maintain Grey’s proud tradition of sporting excellence. Although an emphasis is placed on winning and being competitive, participation is also emphasized. On many Saturdays we will have over 500 sportsmen participating competitively.

Grey High offers a broad range of different sports that students are able to choose from. It is our intention to ensure that all our students take an active part in these co-curricular activities as this enables them to reap the benefit of the coaching offered by the large number of staff who commit themselves to sport in the school. The Rector places a great emphasis on sport at Grey High School, and it enjoys a world-wide reputation.

Many great sportsmen have started their careers at the School. Graeme and Peter Pollock are probably Grey’s best known sportsmen, with Graeme having been voted South African Cricketer if the 20th Century. But, it is not only in the cricketing world where Grey produced wonderful sportsman; Here are just a few of Grey sporting legends: Gavin Cowley (Rugby and Cricket), Dave Callaghan (Cricket, but also a provincial rugby player), Ian Kirkpatrick (Rugby), Mickey Gerber (Rugby), Michael Catt (Rugby), Luke Watson (Rugby), Cliff Drysdale (Tennis), Peter Williams (Swimming), and Wayne Graham (Captained first SA Hockey to Olympics) to mention a few. More Grey sporting history is covered in the individual sporting areas.