Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
347 matching releases

Meetings with Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) between May and June 2021: FOI release

All meeting notes (agendas, notes, minutes) for meetings between the Scottish Government (including Ministers, officials and special advisors), with the Scottish Qualifications Authority between the 24th May 2021 - 3rd June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-04
Reference
FOI/202100209239
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Information pertaining to Scottish National Standardised Assessments: FOI release

All communication (internal and external) involving Shirley-Anne Somerville (or her staff) regarding the Scottish National Standardised Assessments. This includes any attachments in the case of emails, as well as non-email communication such as messaging services. Any briefings, analysis or other official documents he...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-03
Reference
FOI/202100236994
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) appeal rates 2021: FOI release

Any communication, internal or external, discussing / responding to concerns about the quantity of appeals that the SQA may receive in relation to any 2021 appeals processes. The time frame for this request is 1/2/2021 - 2/6/2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 76 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-12
Reference
FOI/202100208815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI release

1. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos, or other correspondence between John Swinney, his ministerial office and/or special advisers and the SQA on the topic of the 2021 exams diet and alternative certification model between November 1, 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos,...

FOI cost limit 70 score 87 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100203007
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Minutes between First Minister and education officials: FOI release

Last week it was revealed that the First Minister has met with education officials to discuss the SQA’s new alternative accreditation model, as reported in TES (see here: https://www.tes.com/news/SQA-sturgeon-we-wont-have-another-qualifications-fiasco) I would like (a) copy of the minutes taken at the meetings between ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-21
Reference
FOI/202100206212
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication relating to SQA awards 2021: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public identifying as teachers to the Scottish Government, on the subject on SQA awards in 2021. I would like this information from 10 June 2021 to 9 July 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-14
Reference
FOI/202100225914
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication regarding OCED review of Curriculum for Excellence: FOI release

1. Any communication (including letters, emails, phone calls or text messages) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the OECD review of Curriculum for Excellence. 2. Any communication (including letters, emails, phone calls or text messages) between the Scottish Government and Education Scotland...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-02
Reference
FOI/202100216183
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

School material on Israel and Palestine: FOI release

Included in preamble of a recent public petition (PE 1879) calling on the Scottish Parliament to urge the Scottish Government to “Provide an accessible and professionally developed learning and teaching resource on Israel and Palestine”, is a reference to; “re-establishing a ‘strategic review group’ to oversee any revi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-30
Reference
FOI/202100219662
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence from teachers regarding SQA national qualifications: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public identifying as teachers to the Scottish Government, on the subject of SQA National Qualifications in 2021. I would like this information between 7 May 2021 and 4 June 2021

FOI partially withheld 90 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-28
Reference
FOI/202100209735
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Reform discussion held with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff) and the SQA regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA. This request includes any attachments where applicable.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100209364
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications with SQA regarding National Qualification assessment 2021: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails, phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of SQA National Qualification assessments in 2021. I would like this information between 01 March 2021 and 26 March 2021.

FOI already published 80 score 72 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-12
Reference
FOI/202100187739
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Information concerning poverty related attainment gap in Scottish schools: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters and emails) concerning the poverty related attainment gap in Scottish schools. I would like to request with a timeframe of 10 March 2021 to 16 March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.27(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-07-08
Reference
FOI/202100202794
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Information relating to state-funded schools in Scotland: FOI release

2020/21 latest Census for each state-funded school in Scotland (primary and secondary) broken down by the home LSOA with LSOA identifier of the pupil along with school identifier number. For secondary schools I would like LSOA counts for all year groups in the school and then LSOA counts for: Year Groups 9-14 only (su...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-05
Reference
FOI/202100210944
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication with Scottish Qualification Authority relating to estimated grades: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of teachers' estimated grades for SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information between 25 March 2021 and 15 April 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-01
Reference
FOI/202100195400
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Discussions held relating to 2021 certification model: FOI release

1. A copy of the minutes of any meetings between the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Scottish Government officials, or the SQA and either the Children and Young People’s Commissioner’s office or the EHRC in which the 2021 certification model was discussed. 2. Any written correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary fo...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-01
Reference
FOI/202100205379
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Communications with Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): FOI review

1. All records of communications between the Scottish Government and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) between February 2, 2021, and February 9, 2021 (inclusive). 2. all records of internal Scottish Government communications and minutes of meetings about the OECD review of Curriculum for ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.21(4) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-29
Reference
FOI/202100211685 review of 202100196586
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Curriculum for Excellence Review 2020/21: FOI Appeal

All correspondence or documentation (including emails, attachments, typed or hand written notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the OECD regarding the Curriculum for Excellence Review 2020/21. I would li...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 207 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-21
Reference
FOI/202000061974 - Appeal
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Covid-19 education recovery group correspondence: FOI review

Please provide a copy of all correspondence received by (a) the Scottish Government and (b) the Covid-19 Education Recovery Group on vulnerable teachers in schools since 1/08/20. For example, I am aware that correspondence was received by theCovid-19 Education Recovery Group as referred to here: https://www.tes.com/new...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 119 working days over deadline correspondence s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-04
Reference
FOI/202100174388 review of 202000119872
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development review: FOI release

All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education (including Officials of his office) with OECD relating to the OECD review of Scottish education. In particular, I would like to see all correspondence and information relating to the contract between the Scottish Government and OECD.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100175114
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Discussions held relating to OCED report: FOI release

1. Please provide details of all the discussions between Scottish Ministers and the OECD on the subject of the publication prior to the forthcoming Scottish election of an interim report, a full report or any other equivalent document since the relevant vote at Parliament on 17 February 2021 (including copies of all co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100170093
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Provision of laptops or tablets for school children: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, texts or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the introduction of the provision of laptops or tablets for school children. I would like this information from 20 January 2021 to 20 March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100187590
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

School pupils wearing face masks: FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters or emails) from members of the public to either the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, or the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of pupils being required to wear face masks in schools. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 09...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 178 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202000085891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Introduction of a national tutoring scheme internal communication: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, texts or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the introduction of a national tutoring scheme for school pupils. I would like this information from 15 February 2021 to 29 March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-20
Reference
FOI/202100187582
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 return to school: FOI review

Further to my acknowledgement letter of 16 March, I have now completed my review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). You said: “The government is already in breach of the law and is now asking me to allow it to go to 150% of the stated time limit , wit...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-05-12
Reference
FOI/202100176220 review of 202100149409
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector