The Essentials
Type of School: Day, Private
Fees per year: ZAR73 800.00
Address: College Dr, Mill Park, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa
Phone Number: +27 41 374 3300
Rector: Mr. Christian Erasmus
Number of pupils: 850+
Age Range: 13-18
Email: info@greyhighschool.com
Website: https://www.greyhighschool.com/
Table Of Contents
- Overview
- Contact Details
- Address
- Location
- School Fees
- Courses & Programs
- Vacancies and Entry Requirements
- Logo
- School Uniform
- Notable Alumni
- Pros and Cons
- Author’s Review
Overview
Grey High School, established in 1856, is a prestigious semi-private English-medium institution for boys, located in Mill Park, Gqeberha (formerly Port Elizabeth), Eastern Cape, South Africa. Renowned for its excellence in academics, sports, and cultural activities, the school has a rich history and tradition.
History and Heritage
The school was founded as The Grey Institute by John Paterson, who also founded Standard Bank and The Herald newspaper. It was named after Sir George Grey, Governor of the Cape Colony from 1854 to 1861, who was instrumental in establishing the institution. The foundation stone was laid on June 4, 1856, and the institute officially opened for classes in 1859.
Academic Excellence
Grey High School offers education from grades 8 to 12, adhering to the prescribed General Education and Training (GET) and Further Education and Training (FET) curricula governing education in South Africa.
The school aims to enable students to achieve a standard of literacy and numeracy comparable to the best international standards and provides a curriculum that, in all its phases, is relevant to the needs of the pupils and the country.
Sports and Extracurricular Activities
Grey High School has a long-standing association with top-quality sports, producing many provincial and international players over the years. The school offers a variety of sports, including rugby, cricket, hockey, and swimming, fostering competitiveness and teamwork among students.
Additionally, the school has an extensive culture of musical performance, encouraging students to participate in various cultural activities.
Admissions
Prospective students and their families are encouraged to visit the school’s official website for detailed information on the admissions process, including application requirements and deadlines.
Notable Alumni
Grey High School has produced numerous distinguished alumni, known as Old Greys, who have excelled in various fields, including sports, business, and public service, reflecting the school’s commitment to developing well-rounded individuals.
Grey High School Contact Details
You can contact Grey High School via their landline, email or you can visit their website for further contact details.
Phone Number: +27 41 374 3300
Email: info@greyhighschool.com
Website: https://www.greyhighschool.com/
Grey High School Address
College Dr, Mill Park, Gqeberha, 6001, South Africa
Grey High School Location
Grey High School is situated in the suburb of Mill Park in Gqeberha (formerly known as Port Elizabeth) in the Eastern Cape province of South Africa.
Grey High School Fees
Grey High School’s tuition is currently standing at around ZAR73 800.00 per annum excluding boarding fees and others. Please contact the institute via landline, email or visit them directly to get an up to date quote as fees are subject to change yearly.
Grey High School Courses & Programs
Grey High School in Gqeberha (Port Elizabeth), South Africa, offers a well-rounded curriculum that focuses on academic excellence, cultural enrichment, and sports development.
Academic Courses
Grey High School follows the South African CAPS (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) and offers education from Grades 8 to 12.
Core Subjects
These subjects are compulsory and form the foundation of the curriculum:
English (Home Language)
Afrikaans (First Additional Language) or isiXhosa (First Additional Language)
Mathematics
Life Orientation
Elective Subjects
Students can choose from a variety of subjects to tailor their education to their interests and future aspirations:
Sciences: Physical Sciences, Life Sciences
Commerce: Accounting, Business Studies, Economics
Humanities: Geography, History
Technical and Creative Subjects: Information Technology (IT), Visual Arts, Engineering Graphics and Design (EGD)
Mathematical Literacy (as an alternative to Mathematics in senior grades)
Extracurricular Programs
Grey High School emphasizes holistic education and offers various programs that enhance personal growth, leadership, and creativity.
Cultural Programs
Music: Choir, Orchestra, Jazz Band, Marimba Bands
Drama: School plays and productions, Drama festivals
Debating: Inter-school and national competitions
Public Speaking
Art Club
Clubs and Societies: Chess Club, Science and Technology Club, Environmental Club
Sports Programs
Grey High School is known for its strong sporting tradition. The school offers the following sports:
Rugby, Cricket, Hockey, Soccer, Tennis, Athletics, Swimming, Water Polo, Golf, Squash, Rowing, Cross Country
Leadership and Community Engagement
Prefect System: Leadership roles for senior students to manage school affairs and mentor younger peers.
Community Service Programs:
Outreach initiatives to help local communities.
Participation in charity and fundraising events.
Outdoor Education
Hiking and camping
Leadership development camps
Environmental awareness activities
Clubs and Special Interest Groups
Robotics and Coding
Photography Club
Historical Society
Wildlife and Conservation Club
Additional Academic Support
Remedial and Enrichment Classes: Support for students requiring extra help or advanced learning.
Study Skills Workshops: Focused on improving time management and effective studying techniques.
Career Guidance: Assistance in selecting subjects and preparing for tertiary education.
Grey High School Vacancies and Entry Requirements
Entry Requirements
Grey High School is committed to enrolling students who demonstrate academic potential, a willingness to participate in extracurricular activities, and uphold the school’s values.
Application Process:
Obtain the Application Form: Application forms can be downloaded from the school’s official website.
Required Documents:
Certified copy of the applicant’s birth certificate.
Certified copies of both parents’ or guardians’ ID documents.
Applicant’s latest school report from the current school.
Proof of residence (e.g., latest utility bill).
Copy of medical aid card (both front and back), including a copy of the main member’s ID.
ID-sized photograph of the applicant in school uniform (in JPG format).
Submit the Application:
Complete the online application form and upload all required documents.
Ensure that all information provided is accurate and up-to-date.
Application Fee:
An application fee may be required; details are provided during the application process.
Additional Information:
Acceptance Deposit:
Upon acceptance, a non-refundable acceptance deposit is required to secure the student’s place. This deposit will be credited to your account in January.
The amount and payment deadline will be specified in the acceptance letter.
Boarding House Securing Deposit:
For students applying to the boarding house, a securing deposit is required. This deposit will be credited to your account in the last month or your last hostel fee payment in Grade 12.
The amount and payment details will be provided upon acceptance.
Application Deadlines:
It’s essential to adhere to the application deadlines specified by the school. Late applications may not be considered.
Additional Documentation:
Depending on individual circumstances, additional documents such as court orders, divorce agreements, or death certificates may be required.
Grey High School Logo
Below is the logo of Grey High School with excellent quality and it is available to download in PNG (transparent file) JPEG and PDF.
Grey High School Logo
Grey High School Notable Alumni
Siya Kolisi – Sharks and double World-Cup-winning Springbok rugby captain
Johan Botha – South African cricketer, T20 and ODI captain
Wayne Parnell – South African cricketer, Warriors cricket player and South African U19 Cricket Captain
Lutho Sipamla – South African cricketer
Colin Ackermann – Dutch-South African cricketer
William Brann – South African cricketer
Matthew Breetzke – South African cricketer
Alan Solomons – Springbok assistant coach to Nick Mallett, head coach at various teams in South Africa and the UK most notably, The Stormers, Ulster, The Barbarians, Edinburgh, and Director of Rugby at Worcester Warriors
Jan Serfontein – Bulls and Springbok rugby player
Mpho Mbiyozo – South African Rugby 7s player
Jamie Riddle – South Africa tri-athlete, 2022 Commonwealth Games, 2024 Summer Olympics
Kevin Paul – gold medalist at the 2008 Summer Paralympics for men’s 100m breaststroke SB9, breaking the world record at 17 years of age
Christopher Reid – South African swimmer, 2016 Summer Olympics
Clyde Abrahams – South Africa hockey player, 2008 Summer Olympics
Paul Blake – South Africa hockey player, 2008 Summer Olympics
Chris Hibbert – South Africa hockey player, 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2008 Summer Olympics
Dr Ian Symons – South Africa hockey player, 2004 Summer Olympics and the 2008 Summer Olympics
Steven Hunt – South African Rugby 7s player
Grey High School Pros and Cons
Pros
Academic Excellence
Grey High School is known for its high academic standards and strong matriculation results.
It offers a broad range of subjects, including sciences, commerce, humanities, and technical studies, catering to diverse interests and career aspirations.
Students are prepared for success in tertiary education and beyond.
Prestigious Reputation
As one of South Africa’s oldest and most respected boys’ schools, Grey High School has a long-standing tradition of excellence and discipline.
Alumni include many prominent figures in various fields, which adds to its prestige.
Comprehensive Extracurricular Programs
Grey offers a wide range of cultural, sports, and leadership activities, ensuring a well-rounded education.
Sports programs like rugby, cricket, hockey, and water polo are particularly strong, with many students competing at provincial and national levels.
Cultural programs include music (choirs, orchestra), debating, drama, and art, providing creative outlets for students.
Exceptional Facilities
The school boasts world-class facilities, including modern classrooms, sports fields, swimming pools, a boarding house, and cultural venues like music rooms and theaters.
Leadership and Character Development
Emphasis is placed on instilling values like integrity, respect, and responsibility through leadership opportunities such as the prefect system and community service programs.
Strong Sense of Community
The school fosters a close-knit brotherhood among students, alumni, and parents, creating lifelong connections.
Events like Founders’ Day and inter-school sports competitions enhance school spirit and camaraderie.
Boarding Options
Grey High School offers a well-structured boarding program that allows students from outside Gqeberha to benefit from its resources and traditions.
The boarding experience builds independence and strong friendships.
Cons
High Cost
Tuition and boarding fees at Grey High School can be expensive, making it less accessible to families with limited financial resources.
Additional costs for extracurricular activities, uniforms, and trips may also add up.
Competitive Environment
The focus on excellence in academics, sports, and cultural activities can create a high-pressure environment for some students.
Students may feel the need to constantly perform at a high level to keep up with peers.
Limited Diversity
As a traditional boys’ school, Grey High may not appeal to families seeking a co-educational environment.
While efforts have been made to embrace inclusivity, some families might prefer more diverse schooling options.
Focus on Tradition
While the school’s traditions are a source of pride, some families may view them as overly rigid or outdated in certain aspects.
Innovation in teaching methods or extracurricular programs might lag compared to more progressive schools.
Geographic Location
Located in Gqeberha, families outside the area may find the location inconvenient unless opting for boarding.
This can also mean less interaction for day scholars with families living farther from the school.
Oversubscription
Due to its reputation, Grey High often has limited availability for new students, leading to competitive admissions.
Late applications or students with less-than-stellar academic or extracurricular records may struggle to secure a place.
Author's Review
Grey High School stands as one of South Africa’s most prestigious and well-established schools, offering a comprehensive and high-quality education. With its strong emphasis on academic excellence, exceptional facilities, and a wealth of extracurricular opportunities, the school provides students with a well-rounded experience that prepares them for success in both their studies and future careers.
The school’s rich history and tradition contribute to a sense of pride and community, fostering leadership and personal growth among its students.
However, the school’s high tuition fees and the competitive environment may not be ideal for every family, particularly those seeking a more inclusive or financially accessible option. Additionally, its traditional focus, while a strength for many, might feel limiting for those looking for more progressive or innovative educational experiences.
Overall, Grey High School offers a remarkable opportunity for students who thrive in a structured and challenging environment. It is an excellent choice for families who value academic rigor, strong school spirit, and a comprehensive education, but it may not be the right fit for those seeking a more relaxed or less competitive atmosphere.
