Grey Institute Building

During the 1850’s a revival of higher learning filtered through the Cape Colony. Sir George Grey played a prominent role in the movement, during which properties were set aside for schools. A large grant was made Inc the establishment of a school in Port Elizabeth. Most of the land granted was sold to finance the building and establishment of the school which became known as the Grey Institute.
The present building was completed in 1859. By 1900 the school had about 1 000 pupils, far too many for the existing facilities. In 1915 the school moved to more spacious premises in Mill Park. The building became the Pearson High School, then the Albert Jackson Primary School. The interior of the building has been changed and the clock tower was added in 1875. The building is architecturally attractive and a fine example of the secular gothic style. It was proclaimed a national monument in 1963.