Scottish Government FOI Index

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI review

All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis ) Any drafts of pages 1-3 of the exam analysis (see here: https://www.gov.scot/publications/examresults-...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 56 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-06-29
Reference: FOI/202000024838
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Publication of exam analysis - correspondence and drafts: FOI release

I would like to request the following materials under Freedom of Information: All communications between Ministers, Special Advisers and communication staff regarding the publication of exam analysis by the Scottish Government (see here: https://news.gov.scot/news/publication-of-exam-analysis) Any drafts of pages 1-3 ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-03-26
Reference: FOI/202000017654
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

23 October 2019 meeting Education Scotland and ADES: FOI Review

Further to my letter of 3 February, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for "information regarding the 23 October 2019 meeting involving the Scottish Government (including Deputy First Minister), Education Scotland and ADES".

FOI already published 80 score 13 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.30 s.25(1) s.29 s.29(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2020-02-26
Reference: FOI/202000016380
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Learning Estate Investment Programme criteria and applications: FOI release

a) When will applications open to local authorities for phase 2 of the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme? b) When will the criteria for phase 2 of the Scottish Government's Learning Estate Investment Programme be made available? (If the criteria has been published, please enclose a copy of it.)

FOI not held 45 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1)

Published: 2020-02-14
Reference: FOI/202000012761
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

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

Bed bugs at schools - First Minister correspondence: FOI review

For the contents of any emails or letters to Nicola Sturgeon (including emails to either the First Minister or SNP account) in 2019 on the topic of bed bugs at schools.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.17(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-12-16
Reference: FOI/201900006881
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Children and families, Health and social care, 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

SQA and the First Minister: FOI release

“The contents of any emails or letters to Nicola Sturgeon (including emails to either the First Minister or SNP account) from parents or teachers in 2019 on the topic of: the 2019 SQA results and/or subject choice and/or the attainment gap and/or multi-level classes.”

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-11-22
Reference: FOI/201900005374
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI release

In your request you asked for:- Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Directorate staff, ministers or special advisers regarding the 2019 exam results Any communication be...

FOI cost limit 70 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings spending s.12 s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2019-11-21
Reference: FOI/201900003157
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

2019 Higher and National 5 results breakdown and correspondence: FOI review

I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for: Any briefings, analysis, breakdowns etc regarding the 2019 Higher and National 5 results created by or provided to the Scottish Government All internal communications involving Learning Dire...

FOI already published 80 score 20 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.12(1) s.25(1) s.38(1) s.29(1) 14 attachments

Published: 2019-11-21
Reference: FOI/201900004088
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic