Freedom of Information (FOI) request template
Use this letter to ask a school, academy trust, or council for recorded information that isn't personal data about you or your child — policies, minutes, spending, statistics, and more. Fill in the highlighted sections, then print, email, or post it.
What this is
The Freedom of Information Act 2000 gives anyone the right to ask a public authority for recorded information it already holds — it does not cover opinions, or information that would have to be created specially to answer you.
All state schools in England are covered, including academies and free schools (added to the Act's list of public authorities in 2011).
What to expect
- Response required within 20 working days.
- Usually free, unless the cost of complying would exceed the statutory limit (£450 for schools), in which case they can refuse or charge.
- If refused, they must tell you which exemption applies and how to ask for an internal review.
FOI or SAR — which do I need?
FOI is for general, non-personal information — governors' minutes, policies, budgets, statistics. It will not get you information about your own child; schools must withhold personal data from an FOI request and will point you to a Subject Access Request instead.
If you're unhappy with the response, complain to the school in writing first, then to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).
[Your full name]
[Your address line 1]
[Your address line 2]
[Postcode]
[Your email address]
[Date]
[FOI Officer / Headteacher / Clerk to Governors]
[School or trust name]
[Address line 1]
[Postcode]
Dear Sir or Madam,
Re: Freedom of Information Request
Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following recorded information:
- [Describe exactly what you want — e.g. "the minutes of all Governing Body meetings held between [date] and [date]"];
- [Add a further point if needed];
- [Add a further point if needed].
Please provide this information in [electronic format, e.g. PDF or email / paper copy].
If any part of this request is unclear, please contact me so I can clarify it before you refuse or delay a response. If any information is withheld, please confirm which exemption under the Act applies and explain how I can request an internal review.
I understand you are required to respond within 20 working days of receipt.
Yours faithfully,
[Your full name]
This template is provided as a starting point and is not legal advice. Adjust it to fit your situation, and keep a dated copy of whatever you send.