Communications regarding Higher History Review 01 November 2024 to 15 November 2025

Date published: 02/05/2025

FOI reference: FOI24/25 143

Date received: 15/11/2024

Date responded: 21/02/2025

Information requested

I would like to make a Freedom of Information request.

Please release:

A copy of all internal communication regarding the recent review into Higher History marking

The time frame for this request is 1 Nov 2024 - present.
This request includes files attached to emails, which should be included in the release
This request also includes records of any non-written communication such as phone calls, video calls, face to face meetings etc
This request includes communication discussing or referencing media coverage and/or public response to the review

Response

Please find the requested information attached.

Some information in the emails relating to the review into Higher History marking has been redacted under section 30(b)(ii) of FOISA. While our aim is to provide information whenever possible SQA has withheld some information where exemption 30(b)(i) – the free and frank exchange of views - applies. The exemption applies because disclosure would, or would be likely to, inhibit substantially the free and frank exchange of views between SQA and external bodies. The exemption recognises the need for individuals to have a private space within which to share sensitive information and seek advice and views from others before reaching a settled public position. Disclosing the content would substantially inhibit the provision of advice and the exchange of views in the future.

This exemption is subject to the ‘public interest test’. Therefore, taking account of all the circumstances of this case, we have considered if the public interest in disclosing the information outweighs the public interest in applying the exemption. 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 are occasions where discussions can be undertaken without being placed into the public domain, and accordingly some of the information has been redacted due to the sensitive nature of the information.

We have found that, on balance, the public interest lies in favour of upholding the exemption. Whilst there may be an interest in discussions undertaken, it is considered that at this time there is a greater public interest in allowing a private space within which officials can share sensitive information.

We have also omitted four attachments, three are drafts media releases and the fourth is entitled FOI24/25 143 1 Higher History Review 2024 for SQA Chair 20241030 as described in the attached document schedule. All four documents contain comments made by SQA staff.

It is considered that all four of the documents are exempt under section 30(b)(ii) of the Act.

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. It is for this reason that SQA undertook the review of Higher History and published a full and comprehensive report of its findings and conclusions that is freely available on our website.

We are also content to provide draft media releases where appropriate. However, we have removed three where comments have been made by SQA staff

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 under review and subject to change and also prevents information going out without relevant context.

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.

We have also omitted documents contained in the emails as they are duplicates of documents that are included. These are highlighted in the Document Schedule that is attached. We have also omitted documents that you received in a previous response, FOI24/25 136. Again these are noted on the document schedule.

For information, we have placed all the press cuttings into a single document.

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