Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,792releases indexed
39,278attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,073partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-15newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,073 unclear 7,195 not held 3,052 released 1,533 already published 668 cost limit 605 clarification 348 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4905 s.20 4252 s.34(1) 3567 s.39(2) 3455 s.30 2866 s.17(1) 2763 s.25(1) 2372 s.10(4) 1971 s.11(2) 1559 s.29(1) 1168 s.2 1152 s.3 903

Timeline

2026-05 339 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589 2026-01 479 2025-12 177 2025-11 263 2025-10 217

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,275 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 961 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 919 releases · 31.1 avg days Learning Directorate 859 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 725 releases · 40.0 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 631 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
338 matching releases

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 Documentation regarding enhanced masks in schools: FOI release

“I would like the government to release material it holds related to consideration of the use of 'enhanced' masks (ie those that go beyond basic cloth or blue surgical masks, such as but not limited to N95 rated masks). The material in question would include: Any briefings / analysis / options (either whole papers or ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-18
Reference
FOI/202100167659
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, 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

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) independent review: FOI release

Details of all meetings, virtual or in person, held from the point at which Scottish Government officials or representatives received a draft form of the OECD Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence in which this report was discussed. Please include details of the meeting scheduled for Monday 15 February, as re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-07
Reference
FOI/202100166439
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications 2021: FOI release

All correspondence between John Swinney, Special Advisers or government officials and the SQA regarding plans / options for the awarding of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2021. The time frame for this request is Jan 1 2021 - Jan 31 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100162263
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 Communications regarding enhanced masks in schools: FOI release

“I would like the government to release material it holds related to consideration of the use of 'enhanced' masks (ie those that go beyond basic cloth or blue surgical masks, such as but not limited to N95 rated masks). Communications between the Scottish government and external organisations, groups or individuals re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-05-06
Reference
FOI/202100167648
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-27
Reference
FOI/202100163050
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Internal communications relating to expansion of free school meals: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or WhatsApp messages, typed or handwritten notes) on the subject of the policy of the expansion of free school meal provision for primary school pupils from 2022. I would like this information from 20 October 2020 to 27 November 2020. I understand ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.36(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202100135539 review of 202000118815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Communications concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, phone calls) concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications in the academic year 2020-21. I would like this information from 17 November 2020 to 09 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-04-15
Reference
FOI/202000121887
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication relating to teachers availability of work: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public identifying either as teachers or supply teachers, to the Scottish Government, that are on the topic of availability of work. I would like this information from 4 January 2021 to 15 February 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-13
Reference
FOI/202100160966
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) review submissions: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters and emails) concerning stakeholder submissions to the OECD Review of the Curriculum for Excellence. I would like this information from 13 December 2020 to 10 January 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-07
Reference
FOI/202100137221
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding industrial action in schools: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, phone calls, typed or hand-written notes, text messages or otherwise) on the subject of industrial action in schools. I would like this information from 15 November 2020 to 25 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-04-07
Reference
FOI/202000115776
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000108636
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority exam 2020-21 communication from teachers: FOI release

Communications (including letters and emails) to the Scottish Government from members of the public identifying as teachers or former teachers, that are on the subject of SQA qualifications in 2020/21. I would like this information from 04 January 2021 to 10 February 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 14 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-25
Reference
FOI/202100154002
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication relating to funding for outdoor education centres: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails, text or Whatsapp messages or phone calls) between civil servants and Ministers on the subject of funding for outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 23 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38 s.33 s.29 s.38(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-18
Reference
FOI/202000113897
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Information relating to Higher and Advance Higher exams 2021: FOI release

The Scottish Government has previously announced that National 5 exam diets would be cancelled but that Higher and Advanced Higher diets would go ahead. Education secretary John Swinney has since stated that alternate approaches have been developed and that a decision could be made as late as February to switch to thes...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-03-17
Reference
FOI/202000114519
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Minutes and material with Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding Higher Qualifications: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings involving the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding Higher or Advanced Higher National Qualifications in 2020-21. Please could I also have any briefing material issued for these meetings. I would like this information from 20 November 2020 to 4 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.27(1) s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-25
Reference
FOI/202000121891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

COVID-19: cancellation of 2021 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exams: FOI release

Shouldn’t the Young People have a say in whether they think Scottish Exams should be cancelled? What was wrong with using community centre facilities such as halls etc to do exams? Or is that too much money out of your budget as a Government, or is it simply that young people do not matter to you? Send me a report of o...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000121881
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Discussions held relating to the cancellation of exams 2021: FOI release

1. Can you please advise and assist in the provision of any written correspondence and comms, extant in email, written transcript, minutes of meetings or letters, which mentions the following: Cancellation of National 5 Exams in 2021 (or similar language and synonyms). Postponement of Higher and Advanced Higher Exams ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-24
Reference
FOI/202000098431
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Public sector

Teacher stance on Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) qualification approach: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) from any member of the public identifying as either a teacher or former teacher, on the subject of SQA National Qualifications in 2021. I would like this information from 08 December 2020 to 16 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-23
Reference
FOI/202000126237
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector