Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

21,863releases indexed
39,476attachments found
29.7avg calendar days
8,112partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-05-20newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,112 unclear 7,200 not held 3,069 released 1,537 already published 671 cost limit 607 clarification 349 withheld 241 transferred 77

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 4931 s.20 4280 s.34(1) 3589 s.39(2) 3481 s.30 2878 s.17(1) 2774 s.25(1) 2381 s.10(4) 1987 s.11(2) 1571 s.29(1) 1175 s.2 1158 s.3 908

Timeline

2026-05 410 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 1,279 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 967 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 923 releases · 31.0 avg days Learning Directorate 861 releases · 34.4 avg days Economic Development Directorate 729 releases · 39.9 avg days Constitution Directorate 685 releases · 36.1 avg days Population Health Directorate 645 releases · 28.7 avg days People Directorate 633 releases · 25.8 avg days
Clear
861 matching releases

Exam results and Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation (SIMD): FOI release

All communications - external or internal - involving ministers, SPADs and Learning Directorate officials regarding the impact of the SQA results moderation process on different SIMD categories (or any other measure of socio-economic inequality such as free school meals) The time frame for this request is 19 March 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000070655
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Communications regarding full time reopening of schools: FOI release

"Any communications from local authorities to the Scottish Government (including letters, emails, or otherwise) regarding guidance for the fulltime reopening of schools in August 2020. I would like this information from 24 June 2020 to 21 July 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-09-29
Reference
FOI/202000065075
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Building a joint school campus: FOI release

How many joint campuses have been built in Scotland in the past 5 years? What scheme does the Local Authority apply under to be successful in gaining funding for this and is there a possibility it will not be granted? Is the funding provided by the Scottish Government and if not what percentage of cash comes from there...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.19 s.20
Published
2020-09-28
Reference
FOI/202000079676
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, Education, Public sector

Schools re-opening full time decision making correspondence: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government correspondence (including emails, letters, typed or hand-written notes, text messages and briefings) regarding the decision for schools to reopen full-time on 11 August, as announced by the Deputy First Minister on 23 June 2020. I would like this information from 01 June 2020 until 23 J...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings whatsapp s.25(1) s.28(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-24
Reference
FOI/202000057060
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Exam grade methodology data communications: FOI release

Following several requests, the SQA has confirmed that it will not release full details of the methodology being used to award grades this year until the day on which results are issued. The same is true of the Equality Impact Assessment information. Please answer the following questions: 1) On which date, and by what ...

FOI clarification 80 score 15 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-15
Reference
FOI/202000068096
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Laptops issued to children and young people due to school closures: FOI release

1. Further to Parliamentary Question S5W-30015 in the name of Alexander Stewart MSP, and the subsequent answer given by John Swinney MSP on July 1 2020, how many of the 25,000 laptops have been issued to children and young people? 2. Can this be broken down by (i) The number given to each Local Authority and (ii) The d...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.2
Published
2020-09-14
Reference
FOI/202000066959
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Briefings from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

All briefings received from the SQA by the Cabinet Secretary for Education or any other Scottish Minister. On 13 August 2020, you further clarified: I’m happy for you to narrow your search to correspondence and briefings between Scottish Government ministers and the SQA between 1 April 2020 and 5 August 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074358
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

In your request, you asked: Details of any meetings (including typed or hand-written notes, any minutes or briefings produced for these meetings) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information between 01 June 2020 and 30 June 2020, and for 30 July 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074442
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Death rates in Scotland 2020: FOI release

1. Whether the 2,491 ‘positive’ deaths are included in the 4,201 ‘mentioned’ category, or whether these are separate categories 2. What was the breakdown of the actual causes of death in all cases, during 2020 to date? 3. As subsets of item 2: a) What is the actual number of deaths which are judged to be directly attri...

FOI unclear 50 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence
Published
2020-09-03
Reference
FOI/202000069554
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Teachers census data: FOI release

Data on the ethnicity of teaching staff in all tiers of the schooling system and for all grades, on an annual basis dating back 10 years.

FOI released 95 score 20 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-27
Reference
FOI/202000057669
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Local authority coronavirus guidance for schools reopening: FOI release

Copies of guidance or information issued to local authorities or schools on the safe operation of schools, including school transport, in relation to coronavirus, when they reopen in August, to include any information provided from June 1, 2020, to the date of your response.

FOI released 100 score 16 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-26
Reference
FOI/202000058536
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Scientific advice for return to school: FOI release

"The Scottish Government has advised that the return of teachers and children to school is not risk free. This raises significant concerns. Under FOI legislation I ask for sight if the scientific and medical advice rendered to the Scottish Government on this matter. For avoidance of doubt this request also includes adv...

FOI unclear 80 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.1 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-13
Reference
FOI/202000049471
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

Reopening of schools: FOI release

“the content of all correspondence to the First Minister and Deputy First Minister sent by members of the public since June 1 regarding plans to reopen schools. Please include the content of all letters and emails”.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-12
Reference
FOI/202000049069
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Reopening of schools and blended learning arrangements: FOI release

“Letters or emails from members of the public sent to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of the reopening of schools on 11 August 2020, and the proposed blended learning arrangements to be implemented following the reopening of schools.  Letters or emails from members of the...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-11
Reference
FOI/202000048525
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Cancellation of the 2020 exam diet: FOI release

All correspondence or documentation (including emails, attachments, typed or handwritten notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the SQA regarding the cancellation of the 2020 exam diet. I would like this i...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 50 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) s.28(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-10
Reference
FOI/202000034452
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Monitoring of implentation of Gaelic Language Plan: FOI release

Dh’fhaighnich sibh: Tha na leanas sgrìobhte ann am Plana Gàidhlig an Riaghaltais: Sgrùdadh air gnı̀omhachadh Thèid aithisg sgrùdaidh a chur gu Bòrd na Gà idhlig mu ghnıò mhachadh Phlana seo gach bliadhna. Saoil am b' urrainn dhuibh copaidhean dhe na h-aithisgean seo a chur thugam? An cuir sibh cuideachd thugam an...

FOI released 95 score 14 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-10
Reference
FOI/202000053366
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 strategic framework reopening educational facilities: FOI release

Copies of any and all Scottish Government guidance given to councils on cleaning advice for schools when they return in August.

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-10
Reference
FOI/202000049851
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, +1 more … Public sector

Publications related to inclusive education: FOI release

All FoIs, complaints and letters, completed and outstanding, in the areas of inclusive education, LGBT, bullying and hate crime; querying content, substance and status of output sponsored and endorsed by the Scottish Government.

FOI clarification 80 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.25(1) s.12 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-29
Reference
FOI/202000044381
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence regarding school reopening dates concerning 3 specific local authorities: FOI release

All correspondence or documentation (dated from 1st May 2020 till 1st June 2020) on the subject of the date that schools will reopen in Scotland between the Scottish Government and three local authorities (Shetland Islands Council, Orkney Islands Council and Western Isles Council).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-07-23
Reference
FOI/202000044331
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Education Information Coronavirus (COVID-19) framework: FOI release

1. What assumption was given to the number/percentage of children returning to Primary Schools in Scotland on 1 June 2020? 2. What assumption was given to the number/percentage of children returning to Primary Schools in Scotland on 13 August 2020? 3. Also please confirm what assumptions are made with regard to stagger...

FOI unclear 50 score 14 working days correspondence
Published
2020-07-14
Reference
FOI/202000044521
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Planned cancellation of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams: FOI release

The plans to cancel examinations and instead use teacher judgements to award National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher grades this year (referred to as 'the plans'). Please release the following and, where material does not exist, state so clearly. Any materials relating to the equality impact implications of the plans ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-09
Reference
FOI/202000035527
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

New Transgender guidance: FOI release

The transgender guidance accumulated since the response to your last Freedom of Information request on 12 November 2019.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.27(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-09
Reference
FOI/202000042069
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Equality and rights, Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI review

All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis ) Any drafts of pages 1-3 of the exam analysis (see here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/examresults-...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-29
Reference
FOI/202000024838
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Secondary education data: FOI release

The raw data on a government website that will provide me with the current data for all secondary schools showing the percentage of pupils obtaining 5 or more highers and other data so that I can analyse alongside other measures like local simd2020 data.

FOI released 95 score 15 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-06-29
Reference
FOI/202000042781
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Ethnic background students grades for SCQF Level 5 and SCQF Level 6: FOI release

The grades received by Black Students for SCQF Level 5 and SCQF Level 6, between the years 2010 and 2019. Specifically, how many received what grades for each level.

FOI released 95 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-05-13
Reference
FOI/202000023759
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector