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

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 and consultation regarding the grading for 2020 SQA exams: FOI release

1. All consultation responses from academics, policy experts and stakeholders supplied to the Scottish Government regarding this year’s grading system for SQA exams. 2. All correspondence between academics, policy experts, stakeholders and the Scottish Government which contains advice regarding this year’s grading for...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.5 s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000071159
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Information related to fees for participation in home economics classes: FOI release

Fees for children and young people to participate in home economics classes. Your request asks five specific questions namely: 1. How many Scottish councils charge fees to participate in home economics classes within their schools; 2. What the fees are in each council area, where fees are charged; 3. Which councils ...

FOI not held 45 score 10 working days correspondence s.24
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000082174
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Money and tax, +1 more … Public sector

Scottish Government education funding allocation to South Ayrshire Council: FOI release

How much of the £50000000 given to the Scottish government by the UK central government for the recruitment of teaching staff was allocated to South Ayrshire Council, also how much of the £25000000 extra from the ScottishGovernment will be allocated to South Ayrshire Council.

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000076300
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

AlphaPlus contracts with the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

The amount of money paid by the ScottishQualification Authority (SQA), or Scottish Government on behalf of the SQA, to 'AlphaPlus' for their "expertise" as per page 46 of the Methodology Report 2020, published by the SQA.

FOI unclear 50 score 19 working days correspondence contracts
Published
2020-10-14
Reference
FOI/202000072940
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Business, industry and innovation, Education, Money and tax, +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

Impact of COVID-19 on mental health: FOI release

Details of the risk assessments of the psychological effects of lockdown, social distancing, school closures and the wearing of face coverings on the mental health of primary school age children.

FOI unclear 50 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence
Published
2020-10-01
Reference
FOI/202000068374
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … 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

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

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

Building a joint school campus: FOI release

How many joint campuses have been built in Scotland in the past 5 years? What scheme does the Local Authority apply under to be successful in gaining funding for this and is there a possibility it will not be granted? Is the funding provided by the Scottish Government and if not what percentage of cash comes from there...

FOI not held 45 score 19 working days correspondence ministers s.19 s.20
Published
2020-09-28
Reference
FOI/202000079676
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Building, planning and design, 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

Laptops issued to children and young people due to school closures: FOI release

1. Further to Parliamentary Question S5W-30015 in the name of Alexander Stewart MSP, and the subsequent answer given by John Swinney MSP on July 1 2020, how many of the 25,000 laptops have been issued to children and young people? 2. Can this be broken down by (i) The number given to each Local Authority and (ii) The d...

FOI unclear 55 score 19 working days correspondence s.2
Published
2020-09-14
Reference
FOI/202000066959
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Briefings from Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

All briefings received from the SQA by the Cabinet Secretary for Education or any other Scottish Minister. On 13 August 2020, you further clarified: I’m happy for you to narrow your search to correspondence and briefings between Scottish Government ministers and the SQA between 1 April 2020 and 5 August 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074358
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

In your request, you asked: Details of any meetings (including typed or hand-written notes, any minutes or briefings produced for these meetings) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information between 01 June 2020 and 30 June 2020, and for 30 July 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074442
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Death rates in Scotland 2020: FOI release

1. Whether the 2,491 ‘positive’ deaths are included in the 4,201 ‘mentioned’ category, or whether these are separate categories 2. What was the breakdown of the actual causes of death in all cases, during 2020 to date? 3. As subsets of item 2: a) What is the actual number of deaths which are judged to be directly attri...

FOI unclear 50 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence
Published
2020-09-03
Reference
FOI/202000069554
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Health and social care, Public sector

Teachers census data: FOI release

Data on the ethnicity of teaching staff in all tiers of the schooling system and for all grades, on an annual basis dating back 10 years.

FOI released 95 score 20 working days correspondence 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-27
Reference
FOI/202000057669
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Local authority coronavirus guidance for schools reopening: FOI release

Copies of guidance or information issued to local authorities or schools on the safe operation of schools, including school transport, in relation to coronavirus, when they reopen in August, to include any information provided from June 1, 2020, to the date of your response.

FOI released 100 score 16 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-26
Reference
FOI/202000058536
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Scientific advice for return to school: FOI release

"The Scottish Government has advised that the return of teachers and children to school is not risk free. This raises significant concerns. Under FOI legislation I ask for sight if the scientific and medical advice rendered to the Scottish Government on this matter. For avoidance of doubt this request also includes adv...

FOI unclear 80 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.1 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-13
Reference
FOI/202000049471
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … Public sector

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