YOU'RE POSH..NOW PAY MORE

PRIVATE schools could be hit with a new tax to fund cash-strapped state schools under new proposals by the Scottish Greens.

- BY DAN VEVERS Chief Reporter

Its Holyrood election manifesto says the levy would be applied using non-domestic rates and could bring in millions to help public sector education.

It would apply to mainstream fee-paying schools like posh Fettes College and Hutchesons' Grammar School, not to mention specialist additional support needs schools which operate independently.

The former SNP-Greens coalition government stripped private schools of their charitable business rates relief in 2022, while last year Chancellor Rachel Reeves imposed 20 per cent VAT on fee-paying institutions.

The Greens say they have a package of measures to ensure the super-wealthy "start paying their fair share towards building a fairer, greener Scotland".

Co-leader Ross Greer said: "Elite private schools are one of the most obvious ways through which the super-rich keep hold of their power and privilege.

He said private school tax "would go straight into local services, particularly our state schools and social care services".