Summer School 2026

We hope to be able to offer all of the classes listed below, but reserve the right to cancel any should demand be insufficient. In such cases, dancers will be contacted in order to move to the most appropriate other class. Please select one option for each week to indicate which class you wish to join. The Schools Director, in consultation with your class teacher, reserves the right to move, up or down, anyone who, in their opinion would benefit from attending a different class. Only use the '2nd week' boxes if you are attending for more than one week.

Classes for all levels of Scottish Country Dancing are held during the mornings of Monday to Saturday at various venues throughout St. Andrews. All are within approximately 25-30 minutes walking distance of University Hall.

This is a course of practical dancing and everyone is expected to actively participate in morning classes for all six days. During the afternoons additional voluntary classes may be offered. The examination courses and music courses will involve morning and afternoon classes. There are no classes on Sundays. 

Step classes will be run in the afternoons.

Participants in this course should be interested in working on the fundamentals of dancing and looking to improve all aspects of their technique. The class will focus on improving footwork and explore social aspects of dancing such as teamwork, the use of hands, phrasing and good eye contact. It will build confidence and understanding of common formations. To benefit from this class, it is important that dancers are familiar with the formations in List 1 and can dance most formations from the list with only an occasional reminder.

This course is for dancers who are more experienced, have a good standard of footwork and technique, and understand good phrasing and teamwork. The class will focus on improving knowledge of dancing, and further developing posture, footwork and team awareness. Dancers must be able to sustain a good level of energy and a commitment to improving their performance. To benefit from this class, it is essential that participants can dance all the formations in List 1 without a reminder or a walk through and have a good dancing knowledge of the formations in List 2.

This course is for dancers who can perform at the highest level of dance, with excellent footwork, handing, and technique and who wish to be challenged further. This is a high impact and physically demanding class which requires a very good level of physical fitness. To take part in this class, dancers are expected to be able to dance in a technically correct manner all the formations in List 1 and List 2 without a walkthrough, or any additional coaching. They must also have a good dancing knowledge of the formations in List 3. 

This course is for dancers who no longer wish the physical intensity of high impact but still look for a demanding challenge in the dancing and dances. They will have an excellent understanding and a detailed knowledge of formations and technique. This class would also be suitable for High Impact dancers who have sustained an injury. Dancers should still retain an excellent grasp of the phrasing, social and technical elements of dance. The course will incorporate low-impact techniques, but those attending should be actively involved in all aspects of dance. It is expected that those taking part in this course will have a comprehensive knowledge of the formations in lists 1, 2 and 3. 

Units 2 and 3 of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate, taught over weeks 1 and 2. Candidates are required to attend both weeks.

This course is aimed at encouraging musicians to understand and appreciate the unique style of Scottish country dance music - its genres, tune types and the technical skills required to ensure that the music contains the necessary drive and lift to inspire the dancers.

Learn how to play together as a group for Scottish Country Dance. Led by some of Scotland’s finest Band leaders and musicians, this course is a perfect place to learn the basics of playing for an evening social dance in a group. The course culminates with all course attendees on stage for the final evening dance of the week in the Younger Hall.

Taking place only in afternoons. Please register your interest on your application form.

Taking place only in afternoons. Please register your interest on your application form.

All formations in List 1 plus:

All formations in List 1 and List 2 plus:

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Summer School registration opens at 4pm every Sunday during the event period. Room keys can be picked up from the desk in the foyer of University Hall. Attendees arriving early are welcome to leave their bags.

Attendees staying in Agnes Blackadder Hall can check in at this building from 3pm onwards, then make their way to University Hall to register at the RSCDS office.

When departing please ensure that your room is cleared by 10am and return your key to University Manager's office. Luggage may be left  until departure time - please speak with University staff.

Accommodation can only be booked for students at Summer School - dancers or musicians.

Attendees can opt to stay in either University Hall or Agnes Blackadder, both of which are located at St. Andrews University.

Summer School is based in University Hall, Kennedy Gardens. This is an historic building in its own attractive grounds near the University playing fields. The rooms are study bedrooms, either single or twin, many have wash-hand basins, but all other bathroom facilities are shared. 

Accommodation can also be booked in Agnes Blackadder Hall (formerly New Hall) for adults only. This venue is approximately 15 minutes from University Hall. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin. Most of the bedrooms have one double bed and can be occupied by one or two dancers. All rooms have a television. Agnes Blackadder Hall has a bar, spacious foyer and dining room, where breakfast is served.

The RSCDS Office, pop up shops and most social functions are based in University Hall.

Included in the booking fee is breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast on the day you depart is also included). All meals are buffet style and dietary restrictions can be observed, so please make sure to let us know in the booking form.

Agnes Blackadder residents: please note that other than breakfast all meals will be served at University Hall in the Dining Hall. 

All university bedrooms are serviced daily and are provided with towels, and of course, bedlinen. Coffee/tea-making facilities are available in nearby well equipped kitchens.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered Non-Resident.

Other University accommodation can be booked directly through St Andrews University and there are a number of hotels, B&B and caravans available in or near the town.

WiFi access

There is free WIFI access throughout University Hall and Agnes Blackadder Hall.

Laundry

Facilities available include washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Washing machines and dryers operate by a downloadable app, Washstation. Details are displayed in the laundry rooms.

For full rooming information please see Terms & Conditions and FAQs.

Summer School 2026 Scholarship applications are now closed.

There is social dancing for all dancers attending Summer School on most evenings. This is held in University Hall and/or elsewhere. There is also a ceilidh each Friday evening which you may wish to join.

Every Thursday there are public dances in the Younger Hall. Dancers attending Summer School, (except morning only dancers) will not be required to buy a ticket as it is included in the Summer School fees. Tickets for non Summer School attendees will be released 3 weeks prior to the event date.

Due to Younger Hall availability, in week 3 the public dance in Younger Hall will take place on Friday 7th August 2026.

The designated responsible adult for Summer School MUST accompany young dancers aged 8 – 17 years to all social dances. Only dancers aged 8 years and above may be on the dance floor during social dancing.

Branches and Groups nearby also offer opportunities for social dancing during Summer School and details will be available from the RSCDS Office in University Hall. 

The smooth running of Summer School is successfully achieved through the collaborative efforts of RSCDS Office staff members, the Summer School teachers and musicians, as well as through the volunteer support generously given by attendees. If you wish to help, for example, by assisting at registration or in the pop up shop, then please select the appropriate box on the online booking form.

It would be very much appreciated if ALL dancers attending Summer School could give at least one hour to help make up the classes required for the practical teaching part of the examinations. Some classes will be expected to do this as part of their morning tuition.

Location & venues

The venues for Summer School classes are located in both University Hall and around the town of St. Andrews. After breakfast at University Hall or Agnes Blackadder there is more than enough time to get to your class as the venues are located centrally in town - a maximum walk of approximately 25 – 30 minutes.

University Hall: Kennedy Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DL

Agnes Blackadder Hall: North Haugh, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9XW

Travel Information

If you plan to travel by road please consult the AA, RAC or equivalent on the best route and road conditions. 

If you plan to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is nearest although onward travel by train and/or bus is available from Glasgow and Prestwick.

The nearest train station is Leuchars, where buses or taxis are available for onward travel.

Stagecoach and Strathtay Buses come to St. Andrews bus station.

The following website may help with your travel plans:

www.visitstandrews.com

It is very easy to become a member of the RSCDS, just follow these four simple steps:

1. Use the Branch & Group Finder to find a Branch closest to your location
2. Visit their website for membership information and email the Branch secretary to tell them you would like to join
3. Fill out a membership form (or download from their website) and send it in with the subscription fee
4. Enjoy the benefits of RSCDS membership!

If you don't have a branch near you, why not join HQ, the International Branch or the Youth Branch! 

We hope to be able to offer all of the classes listed below, but reserve the right to cancel any should demand be insufficient. In such cases, dancers will be contacted in order to move to the most appropriate other class. Please select one option for each week to indicate which class you wish to join. The Schools Director, in consultation with your class teacher, reserves the right to move, up or down, anyone who, in their opinion would benefit from attending a different class. Only use the '2nd week' boxes if you are attending for more than one week.

Classes for all levels of Scottish Country Dancing are held during the mornings of Monday to Saturday at various venues throughout St. Andrews. All are within approximately 25-30 minutes walking distance of University Hall.

This is a course of practical dancing and everyone is expected to actively participate in morning classes for all six days. During the afternoons additional voluntary classes may be offered. The examination courses and music courses will involve morning and afternoon classes. There are no classes on Sundays. 

Step classes will be run in the afternoons.

Participants in this course should be interested in working on the fundamentals of dancing and looking to improve all aspects of their technique. The class will focus on improving footwork and explore social aspects of dancing such as teamwork, the use of hands, phrasing and good eye contact. It will build confidence and understanding of common formations. To benefit from this class, it is important that dancers are familiar with the formations in List 1 and can dance most formations from the list with only an occasional reminder.

This course is for dancers who are more experienced, have a good standard of footwork and technique, and understand good phrasing and teamwork. The class will focus on improving knowledge of dancing, and further developing posture, footwork and team awareness. Dancers must be able to sustain a good level of energy and a commitment to improving their performance. To benefit from this class, it is essential that participants can dance all the formations in List 1 without a reminder or a walk through and have a good dancing knowledge of the formations in List 2.

This course is for dancers who can perform at the highest level of dance, with excellent footwork, handing, and technique and who wish to be challenged further. This is a high impact and physically demanding class which requires a very good level of physical fitness. To take part in this class, dancers are expected to be able to dance in a technically correct manner all the formations in List 1 and List 2 without a walkthrough, or any additional coaching. They must also have a good dancing knowledge of the formations in List 3. 

This course is for dancers who no longer wish the physical intensity of high impact but still look for a demanding challenge in the dancing and dances. They will have an excellent understanding and a detailed knowledge of formations and technique. This class would also be suitable for High Impact dancers who have sustained an injury. Dancers should still retain an excellent grasp of the phrasing, social and technical elements of dance. The course will incorporate low-impact techniques, but those attending should be actively involved in all aspects of dance. It is expected that those taking part in this course will have a comprehensive knowledge of the formations in lists 1, 2 and 3. 

Unit 5 of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate, taught over weeks 3 and 4. Candidates are required to attend both weeks.

To find out more information on the Young Dancers' Week (age 12-17) and Junior Summer Camp (age 8-11) visit our Summer School Youth Week page. 

Find out more

Taking place only in afternoons. Please register your interest on your application form.

Taking place only in afternoons. Please register your interest on your application form.

All formations in List 1 plus:

All formations in List 1 and List 2 plus:

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Summer School registration opens at 4pm every Sunday during the event period. Room keys can be picked up from the desk in the foyer of University Hall. Attendees arriving early are welcome to leave their bags.

Attendees staying in Agnes Blackadder Hall can check in at this building from 3pm onwards, then make their way to University Hall to register at the RSCDS office.

When departing please ensure that your room is cleared by 10am and return your key to University Manager's office. Luggage may be left  until departure time - please speak with University staff.

Accommodation can only be booked for students at Summer School - dancers or musicians.

Attendees can opt to stay in either University Hall or Agnes Blackadder, both of which are located at St. Andrews University.

Summer School is based in University Hall, Kennedy Gardens. This is an historic building in its own attractive grounds near the University playing fields. The rooms are study bedrooms, either single or twin, many have wash-hand basins, but all other bathroom facilities are shared. 

Accommodation can also be booked in Agnes Blackadder Hall (formerly New Hall) for adults only. This venue is approximately 15 minutes from University Hall. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin. Most of the bedrooms have one double bed and can be occupied by one or two dancers. All rooms have a television. Agnes Blackadder Hall has a bar, spacious foyer and dining room, where breakfast is served.

The RSCDS Office, pop up shops and most social functions are based in University Hall.

Included in the booking fee is breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast on the day you depart is also included). All meals are buffet style and dietary restrictions can be observed, so please make sure to let us know in the booking form.

Agnes Blackadder residents: please note that other than breakfast all meals will be served at University Hall in the Dining Hall. 

All university bedrooms are serviced daily and are provided with towels, and of course, bedlinen. Coffee/tea-making facilities are available in nearby well equipped kitchens.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered Non-Resident.

Other University accommodation can be booked directly through St Andrews University and there are a number of hotels, B&B and caravans available in or near the town.

WiFi access

There is free WIFI access throughout University Hall and Agnes Blackadder Hall.

Laundry

Facilities available include washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Washing machines and dryers operate by a downloadable app, Washstation. Details are displayed in the laundry rooms.

For full rooming information please see Terms & Conditions and FAQs.

Summer School 2026 Scholarship applications are now closed.

There is social dancing for all dancers attending Summer School on most evenings. This is held in University Hall and/or elsewhere. There is also a ceilidh each Friday evening which you may wish to join.

Every Thursday there are public dances in the Younger Hall. Dancers attending Summer School, (except morning only dancers) will not be required to buy a ticket as it is included in the Summer School fees. Tickets for non Summer School attendees will be released 3 weeks prior to the event date.

Due to Younger Hall availability, in week 3 the public dance in Younger Hall will take place on Friday 7th August 2026.

The designated responsible adult for Summer School MUST accompany young dancers aged 8 – 17 years to all social dances. Only dancers aged 8 years and above may be on the dance floor during social dancing.

Branches and Groups nearby also offer opportunities for social dancing during Summer School and details will be available from the RSCDS Office in University Hall. 

The smooth running of Summer School is successfully achieved through the collaborative efforts of RSCDS Office staff members, the Summer School teachers and musicians, as well as through the volunteer support generously given by attendees. If you wish to help, for example, by assisting at registration or in the pop up shop, then please select the appropriate box on the online booking form.

It would be very much appreciated if ALL dancers attending Summer School could give at least one hour to help make up the classes required for the practical teaching part of the examinations. Some classes will be expected to do this as part of their morning tuition.

Location & venues

The venues for Summer School classes are located in both University Hall and around the town of St. Andrews. After breakfast at University Hall or Agnes Blackadder there is more than enough time to get to your class as the venues are located centrally in town - a maximum walk of approximately 25 – 30 minutes.

University Hall: Kennedy Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DL

Agnes Blackadder Hall: North Haugh, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9XW

Travel Information

If you plan to travel by road please consult the AA, RAC or equivalent on the best route and road conditions. 

If you plan to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is nearest although onward travel by train and/or bus is available from Glasgow and Prestwick.

The nearest train station is Leuchars, where buses or taxis are available for onward travel.

Stagecoach and Strathtay Buses come to St. Andrews bus station.

The following website may help with your travel plans:

www.visitstandrews.com

It is very easy to become a member of the RSCDS, just follow these four simple steps:

1. Use the Branch & Group Finder to find a Branch closest to your location
2. Visit their website for membership information and email the Branch secretary to tell them you would like to join
3. Fill out a membership form (or download from their website) and send it in with the subscription fee
4. Enjoy the benefits of RSCDS membership!

If you don't have a branch near you, why not join HQ, the International Branch or the Youth Branch! 

We hope to be able to offer all of the classes listed below, but reserve the right to cancel any should demand be insufficient. In such cases, dancers will be contacted in order to move to the most appropriate other class. Please select one option for each week to indicate which class you wish to join. The Schools Director, in consultation with your class teacher, reserves the right to move, up or down, anyone who, in their opinion would benefit from attending a different class. Only use the '2nd week' boxes if you are attending for more than one week.

Classes for all levels of Scottish Country Dancing are held during the mornings of Monday to Saturday at various venues throughout St. Andrews. All are within approximately 25-30 minutes walking distance of University Hall.

This is a course of practical dancing and everyone is expected to actively participate in morning classes for all six days. During the afternoons additional voluntary classes may be offered. The examination courses and music courses will involve morning and afternoon classes. There are no classes on Sundays. 

Step classes will be run in the afternoons.

Participants in this course should be interested in working on the fundamentals of dancing and looking to improve all aspects of their technique. The class will focus on improving footwork and explore social aspects of dancing such as teamwork, the use of hands, phrasing and good eye contact. It will build confidence and understanding of common formations. To benefit from this class, it is important that dancers are familiar with the formations in List 1 and can dance most formations from the list with only an occasional reminder.

This course is for dancers who are more experienced, have a good standard of footwork and technique, and understand good phrasing and teamwork. The class will focus on improving knowledge of dancing, and further developing posture, footwork and team awareness. Dancers must be able to sustain a good level of energy and a commitment to improving their performance. To benefit from this class, it is essential that participants can dance all the formations in List 1 without a reminder or a walk through and have a good dancing knowledge of the formations in List 2.

This course is for dancers who can perform at the highest level of dance, with excellent footwork, handing, and technique and who wish to be challenged further. This is a high impact and physically demanding class which requires a very good level of physical fitness. To take part in this class, dancers are expected to be able to dance in a technically correct manner all the formations in List 1 and List 2 without a walkthrough, or any additional coaching. They must also have a good dancing knowledge of the formations in List 3. 

This course is for dancers who no longer wish the physical intensity of high impact but still look for a demanding challenge in the dancing and dances. They will have an excellent understanding and a detailed knowledge of formations and technique. This class would also be suitable for High Impact dancers who have sustained an injury. Dancers should still retain an excellent grasp of the phrasing, social and technical elements of dance. The course will incorporate low-impact techniques, but those attending should be actively involved in all aspects of dance. It is expected that those taking part in this course will have a comprehensive knowledge of the formations in lists 1, 2 and 3. 

This Course is for dancers who would prefer to dance socially at a lower, more gentle energy level. Perfect for dancers who still want to learn and develop their skills but may struggle with energy levels required for six full mornings of dance.

Class will include warm up and cool down appropriate for age and mobility, will not include step practice and will have an emphasis on technical aspects of the dance in terms of phrasing, handling, eye contact, team awareness and posture to improve the overall execution of the dance.

Interspersed with short talks from your teacher and musician the class will also include walking SCD with focus on rhythmic movement and appreciation of the music.

Participants must be able to dance/walk the formations in List 1 and have a good knowledge of the formations in List 2 but may need a reminder. They might need a walk-through of some formations in List 3.

Unit 5 of the RSCDS Teaching Certificate, taught over weeks 3 and 4. Candidates are required to attend both weeks.

This course is for fully certificated teachers, for those who have completed Part 1 of the Teaching Certificate and for instructors who have successfully completed the CTI course. It is expected that class members will actively participate in teaching skills exercises and work on developing their personal dancing as well as their teaching practices. Participants will be encouraged to engage in discussions and share teaching ideas.

Taking place only in afternoons. Please register your interest on your application form.

Taking place only in afternoons. Please register your interest on your application form.

All formations in List 1 plus:

All formations in List 1 and List 2 plus:

Coming soon.

Coming soon.

Summer School registration opens at 4pm every Sunday during the event period. Room keys can be picked up from the desk in the foyer of University Hall. Attendees arriving early are welcome to leave their bags.

Attendees staying in Agnes Blackadder Hall can check in at this building from 3pm onwards, then make their way to University Hall to register at the RSCDS office.

When departing please ensure that your room is cleared by 10am and return your key to University Manager's office. Luggage may be left  until departure time - please speak with University staff.

Accommodation can only be booked for students at Summer School - dancers or musicians.

Attendees can opt to stay in either University Hall or Agnes Blackadder, both of which are located at St. Andrews University.

Summer School is based in University Hall, Kennedy Gardens. This is an historic building in its own attractive grounds near the University playing fields. The rooms are study bedrooms, either single or twin, many have wash-hand basins, but all other bathroom facilities are shared. 

Accommodation can also be booked in Agnes Blackadder Hall (formerly New Hall) for adults only. This venue is approximately 15 minutes from University Hall. All bedrooms have an en-suite shower, toilet and wash-hand basin. Most of the bedrooms have one double bed and can be occupied by one or two dancers. All rooms have a television. Agnes Blackadder Hall has a bar, spacious foyer and dining room, where breakfast is served.

The RSCDS Office, pop up shops and most social functions are based in University Hall.

Included in the booking fee is breakfast, lunch and dinner (dinner on the day you arrive and breakfast on the day you depart is also included). All meals are buffet style and dietary restrictions can be observed, so please make sure to let us know in the booking form.

Agnes Blackadder residents: please note that other than breakfast all meals will be served at University Hall in the Dining Hall. 

All university bedrooms are serviced daily and are provided with towels, and of course, bedlinen. Coffee/tea-making facilities are available in nearby well equipped kitchens.

Attendees who decide to reside in accommodation other than University Hall or Agnes Blackadder Hall will be considered Non-Resident.

Other University accommodation can be booked directly through St Andrews University and there are a number of hotels, B&B and caravans available in or near the town.

WiFi access

There is free WIFI access throughout University Hall and Agnes Blackadder Hall.

Laundry

Facilities available include washing machines, dryers, irons and ironing boards. Washing machines and dryers operate by a downloadable app, Washstation. Details are displayed in the laundry rooms.

For full rooming information please see Terms & Conditions and FAQs.

Summer School 2026 Scholarship applications are now closed.

There is social dancing for all dancers attending Summer School on most evenings. This is held in University Hall and/or elsewhere. There is also a ceilidh each Friday evening which you may wish to join.

Every Thursday there are public dances in the Younger Hall. Dancers attending Summer School, (except morning only dancers) will not be required to buy a ticket as it is included in the Summer School fees. Tickets for non Summer School attendees will be released 3 weeks prior to the event date.

Due to Younger Hall availability, in week 3 the public dance in Younger Hall will take place on Friday 7th August 2026.

The designated responsible adult for Summer School MUST accompany young dancers aged 8 – 17 years to all social dances. Only dancers aged 8 years and above may be on the dance floor during social dancing.

Branches and Groups nearby also offer opportunities for social dancing during Summer School and details will be available from the RSCDS Office in University Hall. 

The smooth running of Summer School is successfully achieved through the collaborative efforts of RSCDS Office staff members, the Summer School teachers and musicians, as well as through the volunteer support generously given by attendees. If you wish to help, for example, by assisting at registration or in the pop up shop, then please select the appropriate box on the online booking form.

It would be very much appreciated if ALL dancers attending Summer School could give at least one hour to help make up the classes required for the practical teaching part of the examinations. Some classes will be expected to do this as part of their morning tuition.

Location & venues

The venues for Summer School classes are located in both University Hall and around the town of St. Andrews. After breakfast at University Hall or Agnes Blackadder there is more than enough time to get to your class as the venues are located centrally in town - a maximum walk of approximately 25 – 30 minutes.

University Hall: Kennedy Gardens, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9DL

Agnes Blackadder Hall: North Haugh, University of St Andrews, Fife, KY16 9XW

Travel Information

If you plan to travel by road please consult the AA, RAC or equivalent on the best route and road conditions. 

If you plan to travel by air, Edinburgh Airport is nearest although onward travel by train and/or bus is available from Glasgow and Prestwick.

The nearest train station is Leuchars, where buses or taxis are available for onward travel.

Stagecoach and Strathtay Buses come to St. Andrews bus station.

The following website may help with your travel plans:

www.visitstandrews.com

It is very easy to become a member of the RSCDS, just follow these four simple steps:

1. Use the Branch & Group Finder to find a Branch closest to your location
2. Visit their website for membership information and email the Branch secretary to tell them you would like to join
3. Fill out a membership form (or download from their website) and send it in with the subscription fee
4. Enjoy the benefits of RSCDS membership!

If you don't have a branch near you, why not join HQ, the International Branch or the Youth Branch!