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

Details of independent review into The New School, Butterstone closure: FOI release

1. I wish to know how much was spent on the Independent Review Into the Closure of The New School, Butterstone. Please break this down into: Remuneration/salary/wages etc Expenses Legal fees Other costs 2. I wish to know how Mr James Martin CBE was recruited to perform this task and what procurement process was used....

FOI released 70 score 18 working days correspondence ministers meetings contracts spending
Published
2021-12-22
Reference
FOI/202100253273
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

Information relating to bullying at Grove Academy: FOI release

1. The number of cases of Bullying reported in Grove Academy in Dundee each year. 2. Whether there’s a problem with particular types of bullying (e.g. because of race or gender, disability, how the case is Grove compares to the rest of Dundee and Scotland. 3. What action has been taken (or is planned) to deal with the ...

FOI not held 45 score 10 working days correspondence ministers s.4
Published
2021-12-02
Reference
FOI/202100250972
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

Information pertaining to Scottish National Standardised Assessments: FOI release

All communication (internal and external) involving Shirley-Anne Somerville (or her staff) regarding the Scottish National Standardised Assessments. This includes any attachments in the case of emails, as well as non-email communication such as messaging services. Any briefings, analysis or other official documents he...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers briefings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-11-03
Reference
FOI/202100236994
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

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

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.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 76 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-10-12
Reference
FOI/202100208815
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
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

Reform discussion held with Scottish Qualification Authority: FOI release

All communication between the Scottish Government (cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff) and the SQA regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA. This request includes any attachments where applicable.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.38(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-13
Reference
FOI/202100209364
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Potential reforms to SQA and Education Scotland: FOI release

You asked for any documents held by the Scottish Government or its agencies regarding the potential/planned reforms to SQA and Education Scotland. This would include proposal or briefing documents to ministers but could also include material considering the effectiveness of either organisation, for example.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.30(1) s.38 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-12
Reference
FOI/202100209354
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communications with SQA regarding National Qualification assessment 2021: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails, phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of SQA National Qualification assessments in 2021. I would like this information between 01 March 2021 and 26 March 2021.

FOI already published 80 score 72 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-12
Reference
FOI/202100187739
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Internal communications referring to the reform of the SQA: FOI release

You asked for all internal communications (emails, other electronic messages, records of meetings and phone calls etc) involving cabinet secretaries, the first minister, special advisers and/or learning directorate staff regarding or referring to the reform of the SQA and Education Scotland. NB This request includes an...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.38 4 attachments
Published
2021-07-09
Reference
FOI/202100209350
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Communication with Scottish Qualification Authority relating to estimated grades: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of teachers' estimated grades for SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information between 25 March 2021 and 15 April 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-07-01
Reference
FOI/202100195400
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

Provision of laptops or tablets for school children: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, texts or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the introduction of the provision of laptops or tablets for school children. You would like this information from 20 January 2021 to 20 March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings whatsapp s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-17
Reference
FOI/202100202932 review of 202100187590
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence relating to Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development review: FOI release

All correspondence between the Cabinet Secretary for Education (including Officials of his office) with OECD relating to the OECD review of Scottish education. In particular, I would like to see all correspondence and information relating to the contract between the Scottish Government and OECD.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 46 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.17(1) s.36(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100175114
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Discussions held relating to OCED report: FOI release

1. Please provide details of all the discussions between Scottish Ministers and the OECD on the subject of the publication prior to the forthcoming Scottish election of an interim report, a full report or any other equivalent document since the relevant vote at Parliament on 17 February 2021 (including copies of all co...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100170093
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Provision of laptops or tablets for school children: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, texts or WhatsApp messages) on the subject of the introduction of the provision of laptops or tablets for school children. I would like this information from 20 January 2021 to 20 March 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202100187590
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

School pupils wearing face masks: FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters or emails) from members of the public to either the First Minister, Nicola Sturgeon MSP, or the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, on the subject of pupils being required to wear face masks in schools. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 09...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 178 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2021-06-02
Reference
FOI/202000085891
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

Deputy First Minister’s private office running cost: FOI release

How much taxpayers are paying towards secretarial /admin services for John Swinney as Cabinet Secretary for Education.

FOI unclear 50 score 41 working days over deadline correspondence ministers spending
Published
2021-05-21
Reference
FOI/202100197327
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Money and tax, Public sector

Deputy First Minister communication with Castlebay Community Council: FOI release

Please provide me with correspondence in the last 3 months of 2020 between Mr John Swinney MSP, Deputy First Minister / Education and Skills Dept and Castlebay Community Council, Isle of Barra?

FOI unclear 75 score 20 working days correspondence ministers 2 attachments
Published
2021-05-12
Reference
FOI/202100175675
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

COVID-19 return to school: FOI review

Further to my acknowledgement letter of 16 March, I have now completed my review of our failure to respond to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA). You said: “The government is already in breach of the law and is now asking me to allow it to go to 150% of the stated time limit , wit...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.21(4) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.29(1) 8 attachments
Published
2021-05-12
Reference
FOI/202100176220 review of 202100149409
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector