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
340 matching releases

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

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

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

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI release

I would like to request the following materials under Freedom of Information: 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 ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-26
Reference
FOI/202000017654
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Number of pupils and schools taking part in PISA 2018: FOI release

You asked for information on: how many pupils in Scotland took part in Pisa 2018? how many schools did those pupils come from? how many of those schools were (i) independent schools (ii) state schools could you please provide a list of the names of all the schools that took part in Pisa 2018 could you please provide t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1)
Published
2020-03-06
Reference
FOI/202000015859
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Questions concerning LGBTI inclusive education: FOI release

1. An update on the parental withdrawal advice within the relationships, sexual health and parenthood education teaching guidance; and 2. Confirmation of who has been involved from which faith organisations in the delivery of the LGBT inclusive education recommendations. When and where they meet and how else did they ...

FOI already published 55 score 17 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2020-03-06
Reference
FOI/202000015416
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

Correspondence concerning the meeting about Newlands Junior College: FOI release

You asked for: All notes and minutes pertaining to a meeting between John Swinney and Jim McColl about Newlands Junior College, which took place on 16th January 2019.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000011519
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Education, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

Commissioning a full analysis of the 2019 SQA results proposal: FOI release

In your request you asked:- ‘In response to my request for a review of FOI 201900004088 the government released a number of documents including one previously withheld. This document - Enclosure 08 - has the following purpose: "To update DFM on a potential approach to commissioning a full analysis of the 2019 SQA resu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-12-30
Reference
FOI/201900005677
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Bed bugs at schools - First Minister correspondence: FOI review

For the contents of any emails or letters to Nicola Sturgeon (including emails to either the First Minister or SNP account) in 2019 on the topic of bed bugs at schools.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-12-16
Reference
FOI/201900006881
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

National qualifications results day meeting - briefings, minutes, correspondence: FOI release

In your request you asked for:- Please release the following material in relation to the meeting on 1 /8/19 referred to in the attached screenshot (which has come from a Scottish Government FOi response). Briefings provided to staff in advance of the meeting Minutes (if no minutes have been taken please make this cle...

FOI not held 70 score 8 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.38 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-22
Reference
FOI/201900004090
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) attainment results meeting - briefings, minutes, correspondence: FOI release

In your request you asked for:- Please release the following material in relation to the meeting on 1/8/19 referred to in the attached screenshot (which has come from a Scottish Government FOI response). Briefings provided to staff in advance of the meeting Minutes (if no minutes have been taken please make this clear...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 8 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-22
Reference
FOI/201900004091
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

SQA and the First Minister: FOI release

“The contents of any emails or letters to Nicola Sturgeon (including emails to either the First Minister or SNP account) from parents or teachers in 2019 on the topic of: the 2019 SQA results and/or subject choice and/or the attainment gap and/or multi-level classes.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-22
Reference
FOI/201900005374
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI release

In your request you asked for:- Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Directorate staff, ministers or special advisers regarding the 2019 exam results Any communication be...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.12 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-21
Reference
FOI/201900003157
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Dire...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.12(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) 14 attachments
Published
2019-11-21
Reference
FOI/201900004088
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic

Supporting transgender pupils in schools - correspondence and guidance: FOI release

All information relating to Scottish Government’s guidance on supporting transgender pupils in schools and correspondence with LGBT Youth Scotland that relates to their transgender guidance for schools.

FOI already published 80 score 3 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005131
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Bed bugs at schools - First Minister correspondence: FOI release

You asked for: "The contents of any emails or letters to Nicola Sturgeon (including emails to either the First Minister or SNP account) in 2019 on the topic of bed bugs at schools."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005399
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

Diocese approved roles in Roman Catholic Schools: FOI release

In 2016 it was reported that the EHRC had called for a review of the current situation whereby applicants to roles in Roman Catholic schools must be approved by the relevant diocese. (https://www.scottishlegal.com/article/equalities-experts-call-for-review-of-catholic-schools-right-to-vet-applicants-for-religious-suita...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.21 s.38(1) s.28 s.3 s.21(2A) 6 attachments
Published
2019-10-18
Reference
FOI/201900004423
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Dumfries Learning Town Project: FOI release

All correspondence between Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government regarding phase two of the Dumfries Learning Town project and Learning Estate Investment Programme, including any bids or requests for funding.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-10-18
Reference
FOI/201900004491
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scotland's School Estate stats 2019 - publication correspondence: FOI release

You asked for "All materials (including communications, briefings and other documents) regarding publication of Scotland's School Estate stats 2019 (https://www.gov.scot/news/school-estatesstatistics/). This includes - but is not limited to - materials related to media and social media planning."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) 14 attachments
Published
2019-10-09
Reference
FOI/201900004040
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Counsellors in schools: FOI release

You asked for all information related to the Scottish government’s work with COSCA on the introduction of school counsellors.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-10-03
Reference
FOI/201900003882
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Independent Review of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments - drafts, correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the following information in relation to the Independent Review of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments at Primary 1 (the independent review) under FOISA: • Any draft copies/versions of the independent review • All communication between the Scottish Government and David Reedy (including staff wo...

FOI already published 80 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-07-31
Reference
FOI/201900002056
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Notes and correspondence with North Lanarkshire Council - St Ambrose school campus, Coatbridge: FOI release

You asked for: • "Any briefing documents provided to Scottish Ministers on St Ambrose school campus in Coatbridge within the last year (prior to 20 June 2019)" (Fol/19/10503) • "Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-29
Reference
FOI/19/01503, FOI/19/01504
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector