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
297 matching releases

Internal communications 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 any internal communication between the Scottish government members and staff (first minister, education secretary, special advisers, learning direct...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 234 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings whatsapp s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231959
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

Documentation regarding 2022 National Qualifications: 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 any documents (such as advice, analysis, briefings, options documents etc) outlining / analysing / considering etc. the options available for nation...

FOI already published 80 score 240 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202100231966
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) regarding exam support materials: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (specifically ministers, special advisers, communications/PR staff and staff from the learning directorate) and the SQA regarding or relating to the exam support materials. The time frame for this request is 1 Jan 2022 to present.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 85 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-27
Reference
FOI/202200290542
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Information on the closure of New School Butterstone: FOI release

A) I wish to know what information was shared by the Independent Review into the closure of The New School, Butterstone to any third party. This includes but is not exclusive to: 1. The Scottish Ministers 2. Education Scotland 3. The Care Inspectorate 4. The Board of Governors of The New School, Butterstone. B) I wis...

FOI unclear 55 score 14 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1)
Published
2022-07-25
Reference
FOI/202200305727
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Free school meal allocations: FOI release

Copies of all correspondence relating to the data used to estimate free school meal allocations and allocate PEF spending. For clarity, I’m looking for all correspondence – email and letter – between ministers, officials and third parties that discusses the quality of the data, any concerns about its usefulness and any...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-22
Reference
FOI/202200304200
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Internal communications regarding SQA appeals: FOI release

All internal communications involving ministers, special advisers and/or learning directorate officials regarding or referring to the appeals system for 2021 SQA results. The time frame for this request is 1/3/2021 - 2/6/2021

FOI partially withheld 90 score 191 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-07-18
Reference
FOI/202100208812
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Children's health and wellbeing census 21/22: FOI Review

What age children are targeted by the census? A full copy of the census. A copy of the ministerial sign-off of the census. A copy of senior civil service sign-off of the census. A copy of the data privacy risk assessment for the census. All communications with the FM and DFM on the subject of the census. The precise pu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 63 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings contracts s.38(1) s.38 s.29(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.33(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-06-29
Reference
FOI/202200270559 Review of 202100260600
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Number of ministers fluent in Gaelic: FOI release

How many of the twenty-seven Scottish Government ministers are fluent in Gaelic?

FOI unclear 50 score 8 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-05-17
Reference
FOI/202200295114
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding lead teachers: FOI release

Copies of all communication involving the Scottish Government (ministers, advisers, learning directorate staff) regarding lead teachers (NB this includes attachments such as briefings, reports etc).

FOI already published 80 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-20
Reference
FOI/202200269303
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding reduction of teacher class contact time: FOI release

Any communication between ministers / Spads / officials regarding the reduction of teachers' class contact time. This includes (but is not necessarily limited to) documents/attachments containing any briefings, analysis, modelling etc.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 47 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-11
Reference
FOI/202200275182
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding class contact hours for Scottish teachers: FOI release

All correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, WhatsApp, Signal or SMS messages, documents or otherwise) involving the Scottish Government (Ministers, Special Advisers and Civil Servants) regarding proposals to reduce the number of class contact hours for Scottish teachers from the maximu...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers whatsapp s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-04-07
Reference
FOI/202200286686
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector, Work and skills

Breakdown of funding allocated to councils regarding school air ventilation: FOI release

1. A detailed breakdown of how money allocated to school ventilation has been spent (e.g how much has been spent on carbon monoxide monitors, air filters etc). 2. A breakdown of how much money has been allocated to each council for air ventilation.

FOI unclear 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.17(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-17
Reference
FOI/202200272343
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Co2 monitoring in schools across Scotland: FOI release

“A Nov 21 submission to the education committee by the Scottish Government references data on Co2 monitoring in schools across Scotland: https://www.parliament.scot/chamber-andcommittees/committees/current-and-previous-committees/session-6-education-children-and-youngpeople-committee/correspondence/2021/learning-estate...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.34(1)
Published
2022-03-09
Reference
FOI/202200269272
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications regarding teachers' class contact time: FOI release

Any communication between the Scottish Government (ministers, spads, learning directorate) and COSLA regarding the reduction of teachers' class contact time. This should include records of meetings, and attachments to emails.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38(1) s.30 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-03-03
Reference
FOI/202200275188
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Covid-19 reopening of schools: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, typed or hand-written notes, phone calls or otherwise) concerning the reopening of schools. Any briefings or analysis issued to Ministers on the subject of (at least in part) the reopening of schools. This was to cover the period 25 February 2021 to 04...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 221 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.28(1) s.28 s.30 s.36(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-28
Reference
FOI/202100178134
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Communication relating to education recovery plan: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications on the subject of the Education Recovery plan which was published on 05 October 2021 (link). I would like this information between 01 September 2021 and 01 October 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 77 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.30 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-28
Reference
FOI/202100245473
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

GDPR principles including the principle of Data Minimization: FOI release

1. (Part 1) Details of who is the data controller for the Scottish Government questionnaire which includes the controversial sex questions being asked of pupils in S4-S6. (Part 2) What checks were taken to ensure that the survey adheres to all GDPR principles including the principle of Data Minimization. (Part 3) Speci...

FOI released 70 score 14 working days correspondence ministers
Published
2022-02-24
Reference
FOI/202200276495
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication with SQA from May 2021: FOI release

Correspondence between the Scottish Government and the Scottish Qualifications Authority from 17 May to 23 June 2021, broken down by 6 separate timeframes (Micase refs: 239803, 239817, 239833, 239841, 239847, 239858). Clarification was provided on 27 September 2021, that the request related to the 'future of the SQA in...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 86 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-21
Reference
FOI/202100239833
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release

Internal Scottish Government correspondence (including between ministers and civil servants) from 17 May to 27 June 2021 regarding the Scottish Qualifications Authority, broken down by 6 separate timeframes (Micase refs: 239784, 239798, 239823, 239840, 239842 & 239863). Clarification was provided on 27 September 2021, ...

FOI already published 80 score 86 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29 s.30 s.36 s.38(1) 6 attachments
Published
2022-02-21
Reference
FOI/202100239842
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Children's health and wellbeing census 21/22: FOI release

A series of questions, and for information, with regards to the Health and Wellbeing Census. These are dealt with below. What age children are targeted by the census? You also asked for: 1) A full copy of the census. 2) A copy of the ministerial sign-off of the census. 3) A copy of senior civil service sign-off of the ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 12 working days correspondence ministers s.2 s.3 s.4 s.5 s.6 s.7 s.8 s.29(1) s.30 s.33(1) s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2022-02-16
Reference
FOI/202100260600
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Education, Public sector

Correspondence regarding Education Scotland and SQA reform meeting: FOI release

Please send me all correspondence (including briefings, emails, letters, records of phonecalls), held regarding the meeting of the 24th of June referred to in answer to the response by the Scottish Government to the Question S6W-01187.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 96 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-02-08
Reference
FOI/202100229561
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 between SQA and Scottish Government regarding appeals process: FOI Release

All communication between the SQA and Scottish Government (ministers, special advisers, learning directorate officials) regarding / referring to the appeals system for 2021 results, the details of which have now been published on the SQA website: https://www.sqa.org.uk/sqa/79049.html The time frame for this request is...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 141 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2022-01-24
Reference
FOI/202100208810
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector