A Brotherhood for Life

At Grey High School, our boarding establishment, Meriway House, is more than just a residence—it's a transformative experience where lifelong friendships are formed, personal character is shaped, and Grey traditions are proudly lived out. As one of the Eastern Cape's most prestigious boys' boarding facilities, Meriway House offers a secure, values-driven, and structured environment that encourages every boy to thrive—academically, extramurally, socially, and emotionally.

A Proud Heritage

The boarding tradition at Grey High began in 1915, under the visionary leadership of Rector William Archer Way. Realising the need for a boarding house to complement the School's growing academic reputation, Mr. Way oversaw the move from the Donkin Reserve to the current Mill Park campus—complete with a purpose-built Boarding House. The original house welcomed 11 boys from Graaff-Reinet, and by 1919, Grey had 124 boarders.

Over the years, the Boarding House has evolved and expanded, adapting to the needs of each generation while staying rooted in the values that define the Grey experience. The facility now accommodates up to 140 boarders, with modern amenities blended seamlessly with tradition.

Originally divided into Way House and Meredith House, the two sides competed independently in inter-house events. In 1980, these two houses were unified into one powerful identity: Meriway House—a name that honours both founding legacies.

Vision and Ethos

At Meriway, our vision is to provide a home-away-from-home —a space where boys are nurtured, challenged, and supported. We believe in building resilient, respectful, and responsible young men, capable of navigating life with confidence and integrity. While individual growth is paramount, it is fostered through the powerful brotherhood of the BODAS —a name proudly worn by Meriway boarders.

Respect, loyalty, humility, and camaraderie form the cornerstone of life at Meriway. Our structured environment—balanced with warmth, and mutual support—helps boys develop not only academic excellence, but also emotional intelligence, independence, and leadership.

Goals of Meriway House

The boarding environment is a vital and enriching part of life at Grey High School. At Meriway House, we aim to provide a safe, supportive, and values-driven environment where boys can grow emotionally, physically, and socially as they pursue their full potential.

Meriway House supports and complements all aspects of Grey's academic, sporting, cultural, and service life. In doing so, we seek to foster well-rounded excellence in each of our boarders.

The staff at Meriway House share a collective duty of care and are committed to ensuring that all boys:

• Grow in a respectful, diverse, and inclusive environment where Grey High values are lived and modelled daily.

• Develop through a balanced and holistic boarding experience—academics, sport, cultural activities, and service.

• Strive to maintain the highest standard of academic effort and personal integrity.

• Cultivate self-discipline and responsibility for their own learning, conduct, and development.

• Treat fellow boarders with compassion, respect, and cooperation.

• Live in a well-maintained physical environment where health and safety are consistently upheld and reviewed.

• Receive access to basic health support and medical care, including referral to relevant services where necessary.

• Have access to pastoral care and mentorship, which encourages open, honest communication between staff, boarders, and parents.