John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, which represents schools such as Fettes and Gordonstoun, said the sector was “confused” why the Scottish government had included the private sector.
He said: “I’m not sure why it’s up to government ministers to bring children to non-governmental schools. The whole point of our schools is that they are run independently.
“So the choice they make about the uniform, the curriculum, the admissions or something else should be their job. It would be an erosion of the independence of schools if we were told what the people in them should wear. “
Fettes School in Edinburgh, where Sir Tony Blair was educated, charges up to £ 170 for one of his famous pink striped blazers.
Sources in the sector said that students’ intelligence is a major selling point for parents when they look at schools.
Ms Sturgeon’s agreement with the Greens last summer said binding guidelines would be drawn up to “increase the use of generic uniforms and reduce the cost to families”.
However, it does not mention independent schools that fall within the scope of the policy, and it is understood that private schools were shocked on Thursday when they discovered that this would apply to them.
“Greens who pursue politics are not a shock”
Mr Edward said it was “not a shock” to learn that politics had been pushed by the Greens. Mr Greer had previously called for private schools to be banned and demolished.
He said schools already have their own policies to address issues such as accessibility for low-income parents whose children can receive scholarships and gender equality.
“The uniform is really important for many of our schools, it is part of who they are and their identity,” added Mr. Edward. “Others prefer not to have one at all, but it is their choice.
“Our schools work day in and day out to ensure that uniforms are ethical, gender-appropriate and sustainable. It’s a conversation they have all the time, but I’m not sure why it’s a conversation they have to have with someone else. “
“Principles” for the national school uniform policy
Grants of at least £ 120 are now available to help low-income families with uniform costs, which increase to £ 150 for middle-class students.
The Scottish Government has said it is not considering imposing certain uniform elements, but is instead writing a set of rules to “inform local authorities and school policies”. There are no plans to completely remove the uniforms.
Among the proposed set of “principles” for the national school uniform policy is that it will “promote equality”, including in terms of gender and gender.
Mr Greer said: “This new national guide is an opportunity to allow young people, parents and carers to choose affordable clothes that meet school rules without having to buy from expensive specialist retailers.
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