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

338 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

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

Correspondence between John Swinney and the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA): FOI release

Any correspondence (including letters, emails, 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 between 06 August and 11 August.

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

Published: 2020-10-14
Reference: FOI/202000074058
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

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

Communications regarding full time reopening of schools: FOI release

"Any communications from local authorities to the Scottish Government (including letters, emails, or otherwise) regarding guidance for the fulltime reopening of schools in August 2020. I would like this information from 24 June 2020 to 21 July 2020."

FOI partially withheld 90 score 31 working days over deadline correspondence s.30 s.38(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2020-09-29
Reference: FOI/202000065075
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Coronavirus (COVID-19) and other respiratory infections in Scotland, 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

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

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

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

New Transgender guidance: FOI release

The transgender guidance accumulated since the response to your last Freedom of Information request on 12 November 2019.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 18 working days correspondence s.27(1) 4 attachments

Published: 2020-07-09
Reference: FOI/202000042069
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Equality and rights, 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

Number of pupils and schools taking part in PISA 2018: FOI release

You asked for information on: how many pupils in Scotland took part in Pisa 2018? how many schools did those pupils come from? how many of those schools were (i) independent schools (ii) state schools could you please provide a list of the names of all the schools that took part in Pisa 2018 could you please provide t...

FOI partially withheld 65 score 17 working days correspondence s.38(1)

Published: 2020-03-06
Reference: FOI/202000015859
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Education, Public sector

Correspondence concerning the meeting about Newlands Junior College: FOI release

You asked for: All notes and minutes pertaining to a meeting between John Swinney and Jim McColl about Newlands Junior College, which took place on 16th January 2019.

FOI partially withheld 90 score 16 working days correspondence meetings s.30 s.38(1) 2 attachments

Published: 2020-02-10
Reference: FOI/202000011519
Directorate: Learning Directorate
Topic: Communities and third sector, Education, Public sector, +1 more … Work and skills

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

Commissioning a full analysis of the 2019 SQA results proposal: FOI review

Information pertaining to the recommendation to the DFM regarding further analysis of SQA exam results from 2019.

FOI partially withheld 85 score 15 working days correspondence 2 attachments

Published: 2019-12-30
Reference: FOI/201900008200
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