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
157 matching releases

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

Documents relating to mental health in Schools Working Group: FOI release

Please send copies of all documents prepared in association with the Mental Health in Schools Working Group meetings on 6 May 2021 and 14 June 2021. Please include briefing notes, correspondence, notes taken and all other documents.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) s.27 s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-09
Reference
FOI/202100222593
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communications regarding Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020: FOI release

Any minutes of, or briefings prepared for, the meeting held on 15 September 2020 between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and Mark Priestley, regarding the Rapid Review of National Qualifications Experience 2020. Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-22
Reference
FOI/202000104898
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

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

1. A copy of any submissions (evidence, reports, opinions or similar) received to date by the Scottish Government or National Coordinator, sent to them for the purposes of being passed to the OECD, which were returned to the sender without being considered by the OECD (either not referred to the OECD, or referred to th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.27(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.30 s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-19
Reference
FOI/202000120876
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Economy, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2020 awards and qualifications certification model: FOI release

All communications (including emails, letters, text messages, hand written or typed notes) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the moderation process for the 2020 awards and qualifications certification model. I would like this information from 01 July 2020 to 04 August 2020. All communication...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000071396
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

First Minister, Deputy First Minister and SQA 2020 exam methodology correspondence: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between Education Secretary John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher qualifications. 2. All briefing notes, me...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-21
Reference
FOI/202000072824
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence on the marking and grading methodology for 2020 exam results: FOI release

1. All briefing notes, meetings, minutes, memos, emails and written notes regarding meetings between any Cabinet Secretary, minister, advisor or representative of the Scottish and the Scottish Qualifications Authority regarding the marking and grading methodology for the 2020 Scottish National 4, National 5 and Higher ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-20
Reference
FOI/202000072834
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

School closures: FOI release

"1. What powers do the Scottish Government have to close down Schools anytime they want? 2. When did the Scottish Government require these powers to close down schools at any time? 3. When the Schools closed down this year because of the Corona Virus, who made the decision to close them down? full list of people involv...

FOI not held 45 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.37 s.38 s.4 s.2 s.30 s.29(1) s.19
Published
2020-09-30
Reference
FOI/202000078735
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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