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

68 matching releases

Meetings referred to in PQ S5W-36077: FOI release

All materials (prepared in advance of or following) held by the Scottish Government with regard to each meeting referred to in response to the Parliamentary Question S5W-36077. Please include briefings (including ministerial briefings), notes of attendees and internal correspondence.

FOI not held 70 score 48 working days over deadline correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.3(2) s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2022-08-08
Reference: FOI/202100209869
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

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

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 teachers required to fulfil commitment to reduce class contact time: FOI release

Any assessment carried out of the number of teachers that will be needed in order for the Scottish Government to fulfil its commitment to reduce class contact time and any information setting out how the government plans to meet this commitment and how much it expects it to cost. This freedom of information release hig...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence spending s.29(1)

Published: 2022-05-09
Reference: FOI/202200285024
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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Communications regarding National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications 2021: FOI release

All correspondence between John Swinney, Special Advisers or government officials and the SQA regarding plans / options for the awarding of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher qualifications in 2021. The time frame for this request is Jan 1 2021 - Jan 31 2021.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-05-06
Reference: FOI/202100162263
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

Internal communications relating to expansion of free school meals: FOI review

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including emails, text or WhatsApp messages, typed or handwritten notes) on the subject of the policy of the expansion of free school meal provision for primary school pupils from 2022. I would like this information from 20 October 2020 to 27 November 2020. I understand ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 39 working days over deadline correspondence briefings whatsapp s.29(1)A s.29(1) s.36(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-04-15
Reference: FOI/202100135539 review of 202000118815
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Children and families, 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

Communication relating to funding for outdoor education centres: FOI release

Any communications (including letters, emails, text or Whatsapp messages or phone calls) between civil servants and Ministers on the subject of funding for outdoor education centres. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 23 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 21 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.38 s.33 s.29 s.38(1) s.29(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-03-18
Reference: FOI/202000113897
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Money and tax, Public sector

Discussions held relating to the cancellation of exams 2021: FOI release

1. Can you please advise and assist in the provision of any written correspondence and comms, extant in email, written transcript, minutes of meetings or letters, which mentions the following: Cancellation of National 5 Exams in 2021 (or similar language and synonyms). Postponement of Higher and Advanced Higher Exams ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers meetings s.29(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2021-02-24
Reference: FOI/202000098431
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Children and families, 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

Scottish Government correspondence concerning National 5 exams in 2021: FOI release

Any internal Scottish Government communications (including letters, emails, typed or hand written notes, text messages or phone calls) regarding National 5 exams in 2021. I would like this information from 20 August 2020 to 08 October 2020.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 29 working days over deadline correspondence ministers whatsapp s.29(1) s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments

Published: 2020-12-08
Reference: FOI/202000099398
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, 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