A new rule requiring blazers at Perth High School has been halted after pupils complained it was against Scottish Government uniform guidance.
All youngsters were told to wear branded blazers from August when they move into the new school building.
Head teacher Martin Shaw says the jackets – which cost £39 – will help promote a culture of high standards.
But after hundreds signed a petition started by a pupil Perth and Kinross Council said blazers will only be encouraged.
Blazers were to be mandatory in the new school building
Uniform policy is up to individual schools but Scottish Government guidance states branded blazers should not be compulsory, promoted or encouraged for cost reasons.
Perth High School already has a wool blazer as well as branded hoodies and sweatshirts.
But Mr Shaw told parents that from August a new polyester branded blazer would become a mandatory part of Perth High School uniform for all pupils.
The pupil who started the petition told The Courier: “The government aren’t for it, most parents aren’t for it and most students are against the idea.”
In a letter to parents Mr Shaw said: “As we move into our new building we want our pupils to represent Perth High School with confidence and pride, both in school and the wider community.”
At his previous schools including Dunblane High School he said “blazers were a key part of the strategy to promote pride, professionalism, and a culture of high standards”.
New Perth High School uniform policy u-turn
But after The Courier put pupil and parent concerns to Perth and Kinross Council on Monday, it responded stating another letter had been issued to parents.
A spokesperson said: “Pupils are being encouraged to wear blazers, which have always been part of the school uniform, to bolster the sense of community within Perth High School. However, blazers will not be mandatory.
“We understand this suggestion caused concern for some parents and young people – being divergent from Scottish Government guidance – and have arranged a drop-in session at the school on Friday to discuss our approach to uniforms, which is intended to be fair, inclusive, and supportive of every pupil.”
Mr Shaw’s subsequent letter said: “I remain convinced that a strong, consistent approach to uniform, including the wearing of blazers, supports our values of ambition, respect, and equity.
“However, I also recognise that the word “mandatory” caused concern and did not reflect the flexibility and support that we have always offered.
“Blazers have long been listed as part of our school uniform, though this has not been strongly emphasised until now. As we prepare to move into our new building, this renewed focus is part of a wider strategy to raise standards and strengthen our school identity.”
The navy polyester blazers, made of recycled plastic bottles, are plain apart from the school’s logo on the breast pocket.
Mr Shaw says the £39 price is a “modest cost for the ambition, values and sense of belonging they represent”.
The pupil, who did not wish to be named, said: “The blazers are polyester so that means they are not breathable and could get very warm in summer.
“But they are also not thick enough to keep you warm in winter and aren’t waterproof.”
Her mother was worried about the cost burden for families, particularly those with two or more children at the school.
She said: “Spending an extra £40 per child is not something anyone wants to do, especially on something many pupils don’t want and therefore may not wear.
“I think the head teacher is more focused on how the school appears to others rather than the comfort and concerns of his pupils, considering the lack of any discussion about this policy.”
There is no legal requirement for school uniform in Scotland.
Conversation