Communications in relation to Higher History

All communications sent to or from ** regarding the marking of Higher History in 2024. The time frame for this request is 1 April 2024 - present.

The information requested is contained within the document attached.

One email, on page 102-103, has been redacted. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible, in this instance, the information is exempt under section 30 (b)(ii) of the Act, as disclosure would be likely to the free and frank exchange of views for the purposes of deliberation, as it relates to the drafting of our media response relating to the higher history review. This information is considered sensitive due to the ongoing public discussion surrounding the marking of higher history.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. We recognise that there will be an interest in disclosing information as part of being an open, transparent and accountable public body, and to inform public debate.

However, there is also a public interest in the SQA being able to have free and frank discussion with which to inform opinions and media strategy, which could be negatively impacted. The SQA require a safe space for draft responses to potentially sensitive lines of inquiry, to prevent the disclosure of information still under review and subject to change, and also prevents information going out without relevant context.

This must be put to the wider public interest. There is also inherent public interest in not disclosing information which could be misleading to the public where the SQA are unable to supply adequate context before the final document is published for public debate and scrutiny.

Having considered the public interest, we have concluded that the public interest in maintaining the exemption outweighs the public interest in disclosing the requested information.

Please note that the names and identifying information of SQA staff below Head of Service level and non-SQA staff have been removed under section 38 (1)(b) as this is considered personal information.

Other information contained within the emails has also been redacted as it was considered out of scope of the request.

Redacted response (4.98 MB)