[2] With formal education being established later in the northern regions of the country, it is the oldest school north of the Orange River.

[1] 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.

[9] Grey College is known nationally as being particularly strong at the sport of rugby, the "secret" handshake,[10] and old boys speaking passionately about their school.