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
127 matching releases

Shirley-Anne Somerville meetings Sept/Oct 2022: FOI release

All internal and external correspondence within and sent or received by the Scottish Government including attached documents, meeting handouts, memos, briefings to ministers, attendee lists, location of meeting, notes, minutes, or OneNote memos, linked to the following meetings: Shirley-Anne Somerville's meeting with ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 99 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.38 s.38(1) s.29(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-11-21
Reference
202300338462
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Masks in communal areas of schools: FOI release

The exact criteria (eg Covid case or hospitalisation rates, rates of vaccination) that need to be met before our children will no longer be asked by the Scottish Government to wear masks in communal areas of schools. Copies of all correspondence between the Scottish Government and the EIS, where the continuation of the...

FOI released 100 score 16 working days correspondence meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2023-11-13
Reference
202200291629
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Cabinets discussing closing the attainment gap: FOI release

Can you confirm when closing the attainment gap was last discussed in a Scottish Government Cabinet meeting by ministers? Can you confirm every cabinet meeting where closing the attainment gap was discussed in a Scottish Government Cabinet meeting by ministers since May 2021?

FOI unclear 50 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2023-11-07
Reference
202300352402
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Free school meals diaries, minutes and third-party consultations: FOI release

1) A list of diary commitments undertaken by the First Minister, Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills relating to free school meals 2) Minutes of all those meetings 3) A list of third-party groups who have been consulted with on the policy of free school meals expansion, including priv...

FOI unclear 55 score 6 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.2 s.17(1) s.3
Published
2023-11-03
Reference
202300355468
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Violence in schools discussions: FOI release

Confirmation on when the violence in schools was last discussed in a Scottish Government Cabinet meeting by ministers. You also asked for confirmation of every cabinet meeting where violence in schools was discussed in a Scottish Government Cabinet meeting by ministers since the May 2021.

FOI unclear 50 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2023-09-15
Reference
202300352410
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Parentzone and the School Information Dashboards: FOI release

You asked for the following information: 1. When was this change made? 2. Who took the decision - specifically was it taken by officials at Education Scotland, a committee or specific leadership team? 3. What consultation was undertaken with relevant stakeholders, in particular to seek the opinions of parents, exter...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.20 2 attachments
Published
2023-09-11
Reference
202300366164
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Education Council meetings: FOI release

Information on: How many times the Scottish Education Council has met since reconvening after the COVID-19 pandemic? Copies of the minutes of any meetings post 2019, including information on who attended them and where they were held. Why the above minutes have not been published? Whether the Council has considered th...

FOI unclear 75 score 18 working days correspondence meetings 2 attachments
Published
2023-04-05
Reference
FOI/202300345683
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

International Committee of Education Advisors recruitment: FOI release

Information on how the members of the ICEA, who advise the Scottish Government on the NIF policy, were recruited and selected.

FOI unclear 50 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings
Published
2023-02-03
Reference
FOI/202200321098
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Briefing document re class contact time reduction: FOI response

For information in relation to a briefing document contained in a previous request (Our ref: 202200275182). With regard to that information, you requested: I would like to request that all information in this briefing document be released to me, along with any other associated materials such as appendices etc I would ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.14(2) s.38(1) s.34(1)
Published
2022-08-10
Reference
FOI/202200301612
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

The decision to close Abernyte Primary School: FOI release

The dates, times and attendees of all meetings, including virtual meetings, conference calls and video conferences, attended by Mr Swinney or Mr Richard Lochhead at which Abernyte Primary School was discussed. Notes, minutes, summaries or records of any meeting attended Mr Swinney or Mr Richard Lochhead in regard to Ab...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 35 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-08
Reference
FOI/202200279750
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualifications Authority total costs and engagement: FOI release

The total costs incurred by the office of the Scottish Qualifications Authority from 2014 to the present day. This includes all secretariat staffing costs, daily board member fees and expenses, events, publications and office running costs. I would also like a record of all engagement between board members and Scottish...

FOI not held 70 score 118 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-08-01
Reference
FOI/202100244946
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding 2022 school examinations: FOI release

The Scottish Government has today confirmed that exams will take place in 2022 (if safe to do so) - https://www.gov.scot/news/national-qualifications-2022/. Please release details of any meetings (dates, attendees, whether it was in person/online/telephone) and associated documents (emails, minutes, briefing documents,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 239 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231963
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Health and Wellbeing Census for children: FOI release

1. Please provide a list of all the people who were responsible for choosing the questions to ask in the Heath & Well-being Census for children. Specifically the questions in the image you provided. 2. Provide a copy of the minutes of all the meetings where the above questions were discussed, including a list of all th...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 10 working days correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.3 s.5
Published
2022-02-02
Reference
FOI/202100260987
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to the alternative certification model: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100240609 All correspondence (written letters, emails, text, whatsapp messages, meeting notes) between MSPs and the Scottish Government relating to the alternative certification model. Your review request, reference 202100252557 Please can you provide an update as this response is now late.

FOI already published 80 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.21(4) s.38(1) s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-01-24
Reference
FOI/202100252557 review of 202100240609
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Information regarding changes to the appeal process of the SQA: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100213816 1. If the Scottish Government held a consultation process ahead of the changes to the appeals process of the SQA in 2014. If so, please provide the outcome and results of the consultation. 2. Please provide the minutes of any meeting that took place between any Scottish Government m...

FOI/EIR not held 45 score 127 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.21(4) s.17(1) s.4 s.7
Published
2022-01-24
Reference
FOI/202100247971 review of 202100213816
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding formulation of home education policy: FOI release

Agendas, minutes and emails relating to meetings and discussions with the Department for Education in London about the formulation of home education law, policy and guidance in Scotland and England; requesting the information dated from 1st September 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.28(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-19
Reference
FOI/202100263296
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Information pertaining to the STEP program: FOI release

Please provide the following information: a) A summary of dedicated expenditure on (aka, expenditure which was specifically intended or earmarked for) the STEP physical literacy program, marketed by STEP2Progress limited; b) Minutes of meetings with and records of correspondence with STEP2Progress limited; c) Studies,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 43 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2021-12-16
Reference
FOI/202100252139
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regarding changes to appeals process: FOI Review

1. Please provide the minutes of any meeting of Scottish Government Ministers and employees of the SQA, from 2009 to the present, during which the meeting references or in any way discusses changes to the appeals process of the SQA. 2. To provide information relating to any consultation process the Scottish Government ...

FOI not held 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-12-09
Reference
FOI/202100247961 Review of 202100210124
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) appeal rates 2021: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100243380 Any communication, internal or external, discussing / responding to concerns about the quantity of appeals that the SQA may receive in relation to any 2021 appeals processes. The time frame for this request is 1/2/2021 - 2/6/2021. Your review request, reference 202100243380 Firstly,...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.30 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-15
Reference
FOI/202100243380 review of 202100208815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI review

Your request, reference 202100203007 1. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos, or other correspondence between John Swinney, his ministerial office and/or special advisers and the SQA on the topic of the 2021 exams diet and alternative certification model between November 1, 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Any ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.12 4 attachments
Published
2021-11-09
Reference
FOI/202100241427 review of 202100203007
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Meetings with Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) between May and June 2021: FOI release

All meeting notes (agendas, notes, minutes) for meetings between the Scottish Government (including Ministers, officials and special advisors), with the Scottish Qualifications Authority between the 24th May 2021 - 3rd June 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 90 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-04
Reference
FOI/202100209239
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication regarding 2021 exam diet: FOI release

1. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos, or other correspondence between John Swinney, his ministerial office and/or special advisers and the SQA on the topic of the 2021 exams diet and alternative certification model between November 1, 2020 to the date of this request. 2. Any emails, text messages, OneNote memos,...

FOI cost limit 70 score 87 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings spending s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-11
Reference
FOI/202100203007
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Minutes between First Minister and education officials: FOI release

Last week it was revealed that the First Minister has met with education officials to discuss the SQA’s new alternative accreditation model, as reported in TES (see here: https://www.tes.com/news/SQA-sturgeon-we-wont-have-another-qualifications-fiasco) I would like (a) copy of the minutes taken at the meetings between ...

FOI cost limit 70 score 67 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings spending s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.12 2 attachments
Published
2021-09-21
Reference
FOI/202100206212
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Documents relating to mental health in Schools Working Group: FOI release

Please send copies of all documents prepared in association with the Mental Health in Schools Working Group meetings on 6 May 2021 and 14 June 2021. Please include briefing notes, correspondence, notes taken and all other documents.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) s.27 s.30 s.38 2 attachments
Published
2021-08-09
Reference
FOI/202100222593
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector