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
180 matching releases

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

Meetings with Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

In your request, you asked: Details of any meetings (including typed or hand-written notes, any minutes or briefings produced for these meetings) between the Cabinet Secretary for Education & Skills, John Swinney MSP, and the SQA. I would like this information between 01 June 2020 and 30 June 2020, and for 30 July 2020...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence ministers briefings meetings s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-09-09
Reference
FOI/202000074442
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

Planned cancellation of National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher exams: FOI release

The plans to cancel examinations and instead use teacher judgements to award National 5, Higher and Advanced Higher grades this year (referred to as 'the plans'). Please release the following and, where material does not exist, state so clearly. Any materials relating to the equality impact implications of the plans ...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2020-07-09
Reference
FOI/202000035527
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

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

Supporting transgender pupils in schools - correspondence and guidance: FOI release

All information relating to Scottish Government’s guidance on supporting transgender pupils in schools and correspondence with LGBT Youth Scotland that relates to their transgender guidance for schools.

FOI already published 80 score 3 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.29(1) s.30 s.36(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005131
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Equality and rights, Public sector

Bed bugs at schools - First Minister correspondence: FOI release

You asked 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 19 working days correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.17(1) s.34(1) s.30 2 attachments
Published
2019-11-15
Reference
FOI/201900005399
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Children and families, Health and social care, Public sector

Dumfries Learning Town Project: FOI release

All correspondence between Dumfries and Galloway Council and the Scottish Government regarding phase two of the Dumfries Learning Town project and Learning Estate Investment Programme, including any bids or requests for funding.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 19 working days correspondence s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-10-18
Reference
FOI/201900004491
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Counsellors in schools: FOI release

You asked for all information related to the Scottish government’s work with COSCA on the introduction of school counsellors.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 20 working days correspondence briefings s.38(1) s.34(1) 6 attachments
Published
2019-10-03
Reference
FOI/201900003882
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Independent Review of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments - drafts, correspondence: FOI release

You asked for the following information in relation to the Independent Review of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments at Primary 1 (the independent review) under FOISA: • Any draft copies/versions of the independent review • All communication between the Scottish Government and David Reedy (including staff wo...

FOI already published 80 score 34 working days over deadline correspondence ministers contracts s.25(1) s.38(1) s.34(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.33(1) 4 attachments
Published
2019-07-31
Reference
FOI/201900002056
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Notes and correspondence with North Lanarkshire Council - St Ambrose school campus, Coatbridge: FOI release

You asked for: • "Any briefing documents provided to Scottish Ministers on St Ambrose school campus in Coatbridge within the last year (prior to 20 June 2019)" (Fol/19/10503) • "Any correspondence (emails, letters, phone calls or otherwise) between Scottish Government ministers, senior civil servants or special advis...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 23 working days over deadline correspondence ministers special advisers briefings s.38 s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-29
Reference
FOI/19/01503, FOI/19/01504
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Environment and climate change, Public sector

Independent Review of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments at Primary 1 information: FOI release

You asked for the following information in relation to the Independent Review of the Scottish National Standardised Assessments at Primary 1 (the independent review) under FOISA: Any draft copies/versions of the Scottish Government’s response to the independent review All internal communication regarding the independe...

FOI already published 80 score 32 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) 18 attachments
Published
2019-07-26
Reference
FOI/201900002062
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Evaluation Attainment Scotland Fund Head Teacher Survey 2019: FOI release

Any correspondence (emails, typed or handwritten notes, letters, phone calls, minutes of meetings, documents or otherwise) involving Scottish Government ministers and/or senior civil servants and/or special advisers regarding the following publication prior to its release date, including the original draft of the publi...

FOI partially withheld 90 score 17 working days correspondence ministers special advisers briefings meetings s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-07-17
Reference
FOI/201900002236
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Correspondence to SG regarding subject choice in Scotland's schools: FOI release

You asked for “the content of all letters and emails sent by members of the public to the First Minister and / or the Education Secretary this year regarding subject choice in Scotland's schools.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 26 working days over deadline correspondence ministers s.38(1) s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-06-14
Reference
FOI/201900001715
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish National Standardised Assessments, correspondence with Professor Sue Ellis: FOI review

Further to my letter of 30 April 2019, I have now completed my review of our response to your request under the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002 (FOISA) for any correspondence the Scottish Government has (a) sent to or (b) received from Professor Sue Ellis, in relation to Scottish National Standardised Assess...

FOI already published 80 score 17 working days correspondence ministers s.25(1) s.27(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.17 s.34(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-05-30
Reference
FOI/201900001392
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector

Scottish National Standardised Assessments, correspondence with Professor Sue Ellis: FOI release

Any correspondence the Scottish Government has (a) sent to or (b) received from Professor Sue Ellis, in relation to Scottish National Standardised Assessments from May 2015.

FOI already published 80 score 28 working days over deadline correspondence s.25(1) s.30 s.38(1) s.34(1) s.27(1) 2 attachments
Published
2019-05-13
Reference
FOI/201900000649
Directorate
Learning Directorate
Topic
Education, Public sector