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

152 matching releases

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

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

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

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

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 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

Health and Wellbeing census primary pupils involvement: FOI release

1. A copy of the health and wellbeing survey that is to be distributed to primary schools in Scotland. 2. A list of the Councils that are participating in the survey. 3. I would like to learn more about what our children may be asked in the survey and how parents are able to support their children with this. 4. I would...

FOI unclear 55 score 22 working days over deadline correspondence s.4 s.25(1)

Published: 2022-02-03
Reference: FOI/202100266523
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Information regarding Health and Wellbeing census: FOI release

1. Who had the final say to sign off on this? 2. Who came up with these questions? can we have the names please so we can take this to the appropriate authorities if needed? We're not looking for group names these people like to hide behind, we want the actual person or people’s names who constructed this "census". 3. ...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 11 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.38(1)

Published: 2022-02-02
Reference: FOI/202100268089
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

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

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

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

Communication regarding OCED review of Curriculum for Excellence: FOI release

1. Any communication (including letters, emails, phone calls or text messages) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the OECD review of Curriculum for Excellence. 2. Any communication (including letters, emails, phone calls or text messages) between the Scottish Government and Education Scotland...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence whatsapp s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-08-02
Reference: FOI/202100216183
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

Correspondence relating to counsellors within schools: FOI Release

1. A copy of all the returns received from local authorities, all correspondence surrounding this between the Scottish Government and local authorities, and all internal correspondence and analysis relating to these returns. 2. Confirmation of whether the national commitment to 350 counsellors for schools by September ...

FOI unclear 80 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings meetings s.2 s.25(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2021-05-11
Reference: FOI/202100170681
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Documents pertaining to teachers one off payment of £400: FOI release

All documentation regarding the decision to offer a single payment to teachersand lecturers rather than paying an amount determined by student numbers. All documentation regarding the decision to offer £400, including how this specific amount was calculated.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings spending s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-27
Reference: FOI/202100163050
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Communications concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, letters, text or WhatsApp messages, phone calls) concerning exams for Higher and Advanced Higher SQA National Qualifications in the academic year 2020-21. I would like this information from 17 November 2020 to 09 December 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 58 working days over deadline correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-04-15
Reference: FOI/202000121887
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA) revision of appeal process: FOI release

Ministerial direction SQA refer to and any information, paperwork, correspondence etc between SG and SQA and also more generally which explains the thinking behind the revision of the appeals process (please treat as an FOI). I am not sure whether you can also explain where responsibility lies for the design of the app...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 49 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings s.25(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2021-03-26
Reference: FOI/202000108636
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Information relating to Higher and Advance Higher exams 2021: FOI release

The Scottish Government has previously announced that National 5 exam diets would be cancelled but that Higher and Advanced Higher diets would go ahead. Education secretary John Swinney has since stated that alternate approaches have been developed and that a decision could be made as late as February to switch to thes...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.2 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.25(1) s.17(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-17
Reference: FOI/202000114519
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Understanding teacher estimates for grading pupils receiving qualifications in 2020: FOI release

In relation to teacher estimates to grade pupils receiving qualifications in 2020, you asked: what work has been done/activities been undertaken to better understand why teacher estimates were so much higher than historic attainment please provide me with any written information exploring this issue – including, but n...

FOI already published 80 score 55 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-02
Reference: FOI/202000117808
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 concerning Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) interim report: FOI release

1. Details of all the discussions between Scottish Ministers and the OECD on the subject of its producing an interim report (including copies of all correspondence, documents, reports, minutes, letters and emails). 2. A copy of all the internal Scottish Government discussions (including with Scottish Government agencie...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.17(1) s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-19
Reference: FOI/202000120882
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Economy, Public sector

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

1. A copy of any submissions (evidence, reports, opinions or similar) received to date by the Scottish Government or National Coordinator, sent to them for the purposes of being passed to the OECD, which were returned to the sender without being considered by the OECD (either not referred to the OECD, or referred to th...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.27(1) s.38(1) s.25 s.30 s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-19
Reference: FOI/202000120876
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Economy, 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

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) National Qualifications: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails and phone calls) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the 2021 SQA National Qualifications. I would like this information from 02 October 2020 to 02 November 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 10 attachments

Published: 2021-01-22
Reference: FOI/202000107143
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector