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

Discussions held relating to 2021 certification model: FOI release

1. A copy of the minutes of any meetings between the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Scottish Government officials, or the SQA and either the Children and Young People’s Commissioner’s office or the EHRC in which the 2021 certification model was discussed. 2. Any written correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary fo...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-01
Reference
FOI/202100205379
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Communications with Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD): FOI review

1. All records of communications between the Scottish Government and the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) between February 2, 2021, and February 9, 2021 (inclusive). 2. all records of internal Scottish Government communications and minutes of meetings about the OECD review of Curriculum for ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.21(4) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-29
Reference
FOI/202100211685 review of 202100196586
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding the Curriculum for Excellence Review 2020/21: FOI Appeal

All correspondence or documentation (including emails, attachments, typed or hand written notes, letters, notes/records of phone calls, texts or instant messages, minutes of meetings, briefings or otherwise) between the Scottish Government and the OECD regarding the Curriculum for Excellence Review 2020/21. I would li...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 207 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-21
Reference
FOI/202000061974 - Appeal
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) independent review: FOI release

Details of all meetings, virtual or in person, held from the point at which Scottish Government officials or representatives received a draft form of the OECD Independent Review of Curriculum for Excellence in which this report was discussed. Please include details of the meeting scheduled for Monday 15 February, as re...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-07
Reference
FOI/202100166439
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

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

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

Analysis of Additional Support Needs (ASN) staff numbers in schools: FOI release

Any Scottish Government analysis carried out regarding the number of ASN support staff in Scottish schools (including any briefings produced that cover this issue, or any projections of ASN support staff number over the next few years, minutes of any meetings where this matter was discussed). I would like this informat...

FOI already published 80 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.25(1) 4 attachments
Published
2021-02-10
Reference
FOI/202000096707
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Languages Strategic Implementation Group meeting papers: FOI release

You asked for: Papers from the September 2019 and January 2020 meetings of the Languages Strategic Implementation Group.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-03-12
Reference
FOI/202000016117
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

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

Evaluation Attainment Scotland Fund Head Teacher Survey 2019: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) involving Scottish Government ministers and/or senior civil servants and/or special advisers regarding the following publication prior to its release date, including the original draft of the publi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-17
Reference
FOI/201900002236
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to meeting of ICEA and statements from Council member: FOI release

 All a) minutes and b) drafts that led to the statement contained in evidence from the Scottish Government on SNSAs (available here), that “Dr Allison Skerrett (from the University of Texas, Austin) speaking on behalf of the Council said that Scotland had carefully designed the assessments, their modes of delivery and...

FOI already published 80 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-04-10
Reference
FOI/19/00661
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Teaching in a Diverse Scotland Report publication: FOI appeal

1) Copies of all correspondence and communication between the Scottish Government (including the Working Group and members of the Working Group) tasked with drafting this report) and the Coalition for Racial Equality and Rights, including minutes or notes of meetings/discussions, records of phone conversations, evidenc...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 9 working days correspondence briefings meetings s.2 s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-04-10
Reference
FOI/18/03373 Appeal
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Local authority, council department, school - fines/funds: FOI release

You asked for any information (including emails, letters, minutes of meetings) of a local authority, council department or individual school being fined, worrying about being fined, having funds from the Scottish Government withheld, or any warnings that funds from the Scottish Government may not be provided for any of...

FOI unclear 50 score 20 working days correspondence meetings
Published
2019-03-25
Reference
FOI/201900000346
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector