{"id":40008,"date":"2026-10-21T11:04:28","date_gmt":"2026-10-21T11:04:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/?p=40008"},"modified":"2026-10-21T11:04:28","modified_gmt":"2026-10-21T11:04:28","slug":"legacy-of-excellence-the-springbok-academy-of-champions","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wedodis.co.za\/news\/legacy-of-excellence-the-springbok-academy-of-champions\/","title":{"rendered":"Legacy of Excellence: The Springbok Academy of Champions"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"LegacyLocated in Bloemfontein, Grey College is renowned for its significant influence on the sports culture in South Africa.<\/p>\n

Established in 1855 thanks to a contribution from George Grey, who served as the Governor of the Cape Colony, the school came into being following his observations of the educational shortcomings in the area.<\/p>\n

His initiative eventually led to the formal opening of the school on January 17, 1859.<\/p>\n

This timeline positions Grey College among South Africa’s oldest secondary schools, ranking just after notable institutions like South African College School (SACS) and Wynberg Boys\u2019 High School.<\/p>\n

The campus still features several historical structures, including a tuck shop built circa 1908.<\/p>\n

Much of Grey College’s legacy can be traced back to George Grey and his pivotal donation.<\/p>\n

The school\u2019s crest, which includes imagery of a knight and a unicorn, reflects the Grey family insignia.<\/p>\n

\u201cSir George Grey\u2019s visionary philanthropy laid the foundation for Grey College\u2019s enduring legacy, as evidenced by his personal contribution towards its establishment,\u201d the institution notes on its website.<\/p>\n

Despite undergoing various changes throughout its 171-year journey, Grey College emphasizes that its historical roots remain vital to its identity.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhile the school has undergone renovations and modernisations to adapt to evolving needs, it remains steadfast in preserving its longstanding traditions,\u201d it added.<\/p>\n

A distinctive ritual among students is the unique handshake, characterized by extending two fingers into another’s palm.<\/p>\n

\u201cBoys, staff and alumni are recognised by the legendary Grey handshake, which is known across the globe,\u201d the school states.<\/p>\n

Grey College today<\/h2>\n
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Currently, Grey College accommodates around 1,200 students across grades 8 to 12.<\/p>\n

It has established a strong academic reputation, showcasing a remarkable 99.56% matric pass rate and an 81.94% bachelor pass rate in 2025.<\/p>\n

In the last year, students achieved 220 distinctions among 227 matriculants, with 13 maintaining an average above 80%.<\/p>\n

The institution operates as a dual-medium school, allowing students to choose between English and Afrikaans as their primary language of instruction.<\/p>\n

In addition to its academic performance, Grey College is particularly distinguished for its athletic programs, especially in rugby.<\/p>\n

The school’s first XV rugby team ranks sixth in South Africa\u2019s high school league, while its overall rankings based on performance place it fourth.<\/p>\n

Matches held by the school often attract large crowds, enhancing the game-day atmosphere.<\/p>\n

Grey College is proud of its legacy, having produced 49 Springboks, making it the second highest contributor of international players among South African schools.<\/p>\n

This legacy includes notable figures such as Cobus Reinach, alongside historic rugby icons.<\/p>\n

In a 2018 piece, BBC Sport dubbed the school \u201cthe Springbok factory\u201d due to its impressive roster of rugby talents.<\/p>\n

The athletic lineage extends beyond rugby, encompassing various sports celebrities who began their journeys at Grey College.<\/p>\n

Among its distinguished alumni is Wayde van Niekerk, an Olympic gold medalist and world record holder in the 400 meters, who completed his matriculation in 2011.<\/p>\n

Another renowned former student is Hansie Cronje, a captain of the South African cricket team, whose ashes were scattered on the school grounds following his passing.<\/p>\n

Other notable figures include Morne du Plessis, Frans Steyn, Ruan Pienaar, and Ruben Kruger.<\/p>\n

Grey College has also played host to influential individuals like Bram Fischer, a key anti-apartheid lawyer who defended Nelson Mandela during the Rivonia Trials.<\/p>\n

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Photos of Grey College<\/h2>\n
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