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
152 matching releases

Correspondence concerning the approval of the proposed exam moderation system: FOI release

What form and when the recommendations of the SQA for the award of grades after the cancellation of exams were approved by Scottish Ministers, including the First Minister and the Scottish Cabinet. In particular did Ministers approve the proposed moderation system and on what basis ?

FOI partially withheld 90 score 52 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25 s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-12-04
Reference
FOI/202000092924
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills and SQA correspondence in early August 2020: FOI release

In your request you asked for: Any correspondence (including emails, letters, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls or otherwise) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information from 02 August to 06 August.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38(1) s.25(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-11-09
Reference
FOI/202000084793
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Public sector

Correspondence concerning the review into the 2020 SQA awards process: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, text messages, typed or hand written notes, phone calls) on the subject of the review into the 2020 SQA Awards process that is to be led by Mark Priestley. I would like this information from 09 August 2020 to 23 September 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.25(1) s.29(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2020-11-05
Reference
FOI/202000090265
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public sector

COVID-19 impact on Attainment Scotland Fund and school closures: FOI release

Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding the impact of the Attainment Scotland Fund. I would like this information from 01 January 2020 to 15 September 2020. Any analysis carried out (and any briefing material produced in relation to this analysis) regarding t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 24 working days over deadline correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.27(1) s.38(1)
Published
2020-11-04
Reference
FOI/202000089953
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Money and tax, +1 more … 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

Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) 2020 awards and qualifications certification model: FOI release

All communications (including emails, letters, text messages, hand written or typed notes) between the Scottish Government and the SQA on the subject of the moderation process for the 2020 awards and qualifications certification model. I would like this information from 01 July 2020 to 04 August 2020. All communication...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence ministers meetings whatsapp s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-10-28
Reference
FOI/202000071396
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Support for teachers and the education system during the COVID-19 pandemic: FOI release

1. Can you please confirm what, if any, steps have been taken to protect teachers from the COVID pandemic? 2. Further, as the pandemic is due to continue for some time to come what steps are planned to help improve the safety of our teachers? 3. What assurance is provided that any measures are being followed within s...

FOI unclear 55 score 20 working days correspondence ministers spending s.25(1) s.2
Published
2020-10-23
Reference
FOI/202000091538
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … 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

The impact of SQA moderation on measures of socio-economic inequality: FOI release

All briefings, analysis, reports, notes or other documentation held 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 - present

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-10-19
Reference
FOI/202000070661
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Communities and third sector, Education, Equality and rights, +1 more … 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

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

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

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

Local authority coronavirus guidance for schools reopening: FOI release

Copies of guidance or information issued to local authorities or schools on the safe operation of schools, including school transport, in relation to coronavirus, when they reopen in August, to include any information provided from June 1, 2020, to the date of your response.

FOI released 100 score 16 working days correspondence s.25(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-08-26
Reference
FOI/202000058536
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Public safety and emergencies, +1 more … Public sector

Scientific advice for return to school: FOI release

"The Scottish Government has advised that the return of teachers and children to school is not risk free. This raises significant concerns. Under FOI legislation I ask for sight if the scientific and medical advice rendered to the Scottish Government on this matter. For avoidance of doubt this request also includes adv...

FOI unclear 80 score 36 working days over deadline correspondence meetings s.25(1) s.1 s.17(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-08-13
Reference
FOI/202000049471
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, Education, Health and social care, +1 more … 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

Publications related to inclusive education: FOI release

All FoIs, complaints and letters, completed and outstanding, in the areas of inclusive education, LGBT, bullying and hate crime; querying content, substance and status of output sponsored and endorsed by the Scottish Government.

FOI clarification 80 score 25 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.25(1) s.12 s.38(1) 4 attachments
Published
2020-07-29
Reference
FOI/202000044381
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Correspondence regarding school reopening dates concerning 3 specific local authorities: FOI release

All correspondence or documentation (dated from 1st May 2020 till 1st June 2020) on the subject of the date that schools will reopen in Scotland between the Scottish Government and three local authorities (Shetland Islands Council, Orkney Islands Council and Western Isles Council).

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence s.25(1) s.38(1) 8 attachments
Published
2020-07-23
Reference
FOI/202000044331
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

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

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

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