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
180 matching releases

Communications to Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding National 5 exams: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, regarding the decision to cancel National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 08 October 2020 to 16 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000099391
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Teacher correspondence regarding 2021 Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

Correspondence (including letters or emails) from members of the public, who are identifying as teachers, to the Scottish Government, on the subject of 2021 SQA qualifications. I would like this information from 01 September 2020 to 05 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-18
Reference
FOI/202000108210
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Exams draft report by Professor Mark Priestley: FOI release

Professor Priestley's draft report on exams handed in to the DFM earlier this month. Any associated correspondance between Prof Priestly or his office and the Scottish Government either leading up to or arising from that draft report.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-08
Reference
FOI/202000092256
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise) regarding the 2021 SQA exam diet. I would like this information from 09 September 2020 to 07 October 2020. Any communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed...

FOI cost limit 70 score 18 working days correspondence spending whatsapp s.12 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-02-08
Reference
FOI/202000096252
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the 2021 SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information from 02 October 2020 to 02 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments
Published
2021-01-22
Reference
FOI/202000107143
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Government correspondence concerning National 5 exams in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand written notes, text messages or phone calls) regarding National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000099398
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 Face coverings evidence in schools: FOI release

The scientific data which the Scottish government has used to inform decisions and recommendations regarding mask wearing in secondary schools and the specific data which has further informed increased recommendations regarding this for S4-6 pupils today. The cost benefit analysis/equality impact assessments carried ou...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence meetings spending s.34(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-08
Reference
FOI/202000106122
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the approval of the proposed exam moderation system: FOI release

What form and when the recommendations of the SQA for the award of grades after the cancellation of exams were approved by Scottish Ministers, including the First Minister and the Scottish Cabinet. In particular did Ministers approve the proposed moderation system and on what basis ?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092924
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Analysis and correspondence regarding subject choice in the senior phase of Curriculum for Excellence: FOI release

In your request you asked for: Any analysis done (including any briefings produced in relation to this analysis, and any internal Scottish Government communications regarding this analysis) regarding subject choice in the senior phase of Curriculum for Excellence. I would like this information from 01 September 2019 t...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.27(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-30
Reference
FOI/202000089957
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence on the subject of teacher workload: FOI release

You asked for: "Any correspondence (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, or the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of teacher workload. I would like this information from 09 February 2020 to 09 September 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-13
Reference
FOI/202000085864
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills and SQA correspondence in early August 2020: FOI release

In your request you asked for: Any correspondence (including emails, letters, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information from 02 August to 06 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000084793
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) exam results and qualification awards: FOI release

I would like to request any correspondence (including letters or emails) to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of the 2020 SQA results/ qualification awards. I would like this information from 12:00 on 04 August until 23:00 on 04 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-06
Reference
FOI/202000090190
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the review into the 2020 SQA awards process: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls) on the subject of the review into the 2020 SQA Awards process that is to be led by Mark Priestley. I would like this information from 09 August 2020 to 23 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090265
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the SQA 2020 exam moderation process: FOI release

All correspondence/advice/emails/documents/papers advising against the moderation process being put in place by the Scottish Qualifications Authority for this year’s school national qualification results. Including any correspondence/advice/emails/documents/papers sent to, or seen by, John Swinney and Nicola Sturgeon.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000077980
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Briefings and minutes of meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) concerning 2020 awards: FOI release

Minutes of any meetings, and any briefings produced for these meetings, between the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, and the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, that are (at least in part) on the subject of the 2020 SQA Awards. I would like this information from 25 July to 20 August. Any cor...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-03
Reference
FOI/202000087831
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Stirling Council revised term dates: FOI release

Correspondence between Scottish Government and Stirling Council on the subject of revised term dates and expectations of education.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000077293
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, 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

The impact of SQA moderation on measures of socio-economic inequality: FOI release

All briefings, analysis, reports, notes or other documentation held 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 - present

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000070661
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Education, Equality and rights, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence between John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information between 06 August and 11 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000074058
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the wearing face coverings in schools: FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters and emails) between local authorities and the Scottish Government on the subject of the wearing of facemasks (or face coverings) in schools. I would like this information from 01 August 2020 to 05 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 10 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-01
Reference
FOI/202000085898
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

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

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