 The school was founded by John Paterson, and named after Sir George Edward Grey, Governor of Cape Colony for the period 5 December 1854 – 15 August 1861.Sir George founded Grey College, Bloemfontein in 1855, and Auckland Grammar School (Auckland, New Zealand) in 1850.The motto of Grey High School is "Tria Juncta in Uno", meaning "three joined in one" (mind, body and spirit), from the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, of which Sir George Grey was created a Knight Commander in 1848.