Transparency index

Scottish Government FOI releases

22,640releases indexed
40,478attachments found
29.5avg calendar days
8,386partially withheld
2016-06-13oldest in sample
2026-09-02newest in sample

Outcomes

partially withheld 8,386 unclear 7,405 not held 3,239 released 1,581 already published 700 cost limit 627 clarification 372 withheld 249 transferred 81

Top Exemptions

s.38(1) 5149 s.20 4430 s.34(1) 3727 s.39(2) 3593 s.30 2994 s.17(1) 2922 s.25(1) 2520 s.10(4) 2060 s.11(2) 1619 s.29(1) 1223 s.2 1222 s.3 958

Timeline

2026-09 1 2026-08 299 2026-07 476 2026-06 1 2026-05 410 2026-04 312 2026-03 217 2026-02 589

Directorate Profiles

Communications and Ministerial Support Directorate 1,312 releases · 27.9 avg days Marine Directorate 978 releases · 29.6 avg days Energy and Climate Change Directorate 961 releases · 30.9 avg days Learning Directorate 871 releases · 34.3 avg days Economic Development Directorate 737 releases · 39.7 avg days Constitution Directorate 702 releases · 35.9 avg days Population Health Directorate 665 releases · 28.5 avg days People Directorate 657 releases · 25.6 avg days
Clear
871 matching releases

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

SQA National Qualifications per S5 pupil at each secondary school in Scotland: FOI release

You asked for: the average number of entries into SQA National Qualifications per S5 pupil at each secondary school in Scotland. Please provide the information in an Excel table and break the information down by school for each of the last 10 school years i.e. 2019/20, 2018/19, 2017/18, 2016/17, etc. If possible then p...

FOI released 95 score 10 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000103109
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Questions concerning the wearing of face coverings in classrooms: FOI release

1) What data does the Scottish Government have as evidence of infection transmission within classrooms in schools that has justified this decision? 2) What data does the Scottish Government have as evidence that parents wearing face coverings outside reduces infection transmission? 3) What criteria did the Scottish G...

FOI unclear 75 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000105853
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … 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

Projections of teacher numbers: FOI release

You asked for: Any Scottish Government projections of Scottish teacher numbers up to the end of 2020, up to the end of 2023, and up to the end of 2025. Any Scottish Government projections of childcare and early learning staff up to the end of 2020, up to the end of 2023, and up to the end of 2025.

FOI released 95 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence 16 attachments
Published
2020-11-30
Reference
FOI/202000090154
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish history curriculum and teaching of Black history: FOI release

I’d like to know what Scottish History Curriculum is being taught in the School System (Primary and Secondary Level in Scotland)? Specifically what is being taught on the British Empire and also Scotland/UK’s role in Enslaving thousands of people into Plantations across the Caribbean/Mauritius etc.

FOI not held 65 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-30
Reference
FOI/202000098366
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Probationary primary teachers school allocations 2020: FOI release

1. How many probationary primary teachers were placed in schools this summer 2020 across Scotland? 2. Do the schools request probationer or do they just get placed?

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence
Published
2020-11-18
Reference
FOI/202000095760
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Work and skills

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

The number of children and young people registered to receive free school meals: FOI release

You asked the Scottish Government to provide you with information about the number of families across Scotland who are eligible for free school meals, however, do not take up this service.

FOI not held 45 score 8 working days correspondence s.53A
Published
2020-11-12
Reference
FOI/202000098842
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, 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

COVID-19 impact on Attainment Scotland Fund and school closures: FOI release

Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding the impact of the Attainment Scotland Fund. I would like this information from 01 January 2020 to 15 September 2020. Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1)
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000089953
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

Outdoor education centres communications: FOI release

"Any communications (including letters and emails) from members of the public to the Scottish Government regarding outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 08 August 2020 to 08 October 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 15 working days correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) s.38 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000096748
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
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

Higher examination statistics by local authority 2019-2020: FOI release

Please list all state secondary schools in the Dundee City, Perth and Kinross, Angus and Fife council areas. Please also detail the following information on these schools: a. SIMD data b. Percentage of pupils who could have taken higher examinations but did not (in 2019 and 2020) c. Percentage of pupils who could hav...

FOI not held 65 score 20 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000079916
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
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) awards model: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) regarding the 2020 SQA awards model. I would like this information from 06 August to 11 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-02
Reference
FOI/202000074160
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Tenders for the Scottish Employer Skills Survey (ESS) 2020: FOI release

Full copies of each of the tenders submitted in response to the Scottish Government's Invitation to Tender for the Scottish Employer Skills Survey (ESS) 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence contracts s.38(1) s.33(1) 32 attachments
Published
2020-10-29
Reference
FOI/202000092363
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector, Work and skills

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

Support for teachers and the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

1. Can you please confirm what, if any, steps have been taken to protect teachers from the COVID pandemic? 2. Further, as the pandemic is due to continue for some time to come what steps are planned to help improve the safety of our teachers? 3. What assurance is provided that any measures are being followed within s...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.2
Published
2020-10-23
Reference
FOI/202000091538
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … 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