Scottish Government FOI Index

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

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

Understanding teacher estimates for grading pupils receiving qualifications in 2020: FOI release

In relation to teacher estimates to grade pupils receiving qualifications in 2020, you asked: what work has been done/activities been undertaken to better understand why teacher estimates were so much higher than historic attainment please provide me with any written information exploring this issue – including, but n...

FOI already published 80 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-02
Reference: FOI/202000117808
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

Attainment Scotland Fund evaluation report internal communication: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls) regarding the Attainment Scotland Fund year 4 evaluation report. I would like this information from 08 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-22
Reference: FOI/202000097473
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Education, 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

COVID-19: remote learning communications due to school closures: FOI release

‘Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Scottish Government concerning remote learning as a result of school closures. I would like this information from 17 December 2020 to 13 January 2020’

FOI partially withheld 90 score 11 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-22
Reference: FOI/202100137214
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Communications to Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills regarding National 5 and Advanced Highers: FOI release

Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of National 5, Higher or Advanced Higher qualifications. I would like this information from 07 October 2020 to 16 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-22
Reference: FOI/202000102905
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Education, Public sector

Discussions concerning Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) interim report: FOI release

1. Details of all the discussions between Scottish Ministers and the OECD on the subject of its producing an interim report (including copies of all correspondence, documents, reports, minutes, letters and emails). 2. A copy of all the internal Scottish Government discussions (including with Scottish Government agencie...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-19
Reference: FOI/202000120882
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Economy, 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

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