Youth Leadership Summer School Programme in St Andrews

Course Description: Youth Leadership Summer School Programme in St Andrews

This fully immersive 3-week residential summer programme is designed for students aged 13–18 who want to develop confidence, leadership ability, and essential life skills for both academic and personal success.

Set in Scotland’s most historic university town, the programme combines:

• Structured leadership development

• Personal growth and self-awareness

• Practical workshops and team challenges

• Cultural exploration

• A highly international student community

Students explore the principles of transformational leadership while building the confidence and skills to make a positive impact in their communities and future careers.

Location & Campus Experience

Students live and study at St Salvator’s Halls of Residence, University of St Andrews, within a secure and self-contained residential environment.

• Just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre

• Easy access to cafés, shops, and restaurants

• Located on a quiet street with private gardens and coastal views

The programme hosts students from over 100 nationalities, with no more than 10% from any one country, creating a diverse and truly international environment.

English Language Requirement

This programme is suitable for students with a minimum English level of B2 (Upper-Intermediate) or above.

Students are expected to:

• Participate in discussions, group work, and workshops

• Communicate ideas clearly in spoken and written English

• Engage with interactive and practical learning

Students will complete a British Council English Language Test before arrival to ensure appropriate placement.

Academic Structure & Learning

Students follow a balanced academic structure by selecting:

• Youth Leadership (core subject)

• One elective course

Academic Delivery:

• 3 hours of classes each weekday morning

• Interactive workshops and group activities

• Practical leadership exercises and team challenges

Teaching is delivered by experienced educators who focus on developing both leadership ability and personal confidence.

What Students Will Learn

Over the three weeks, students will explore the foundations of transformational leadership and develop key personal and interpersonal skills.

Leadership Development:

• Understanding leadership styles and approaches

• Leading with empathy, purpose, and responsibility

• Learning how small actions can create positive change

Communication & Teamwork:

• Expressing ideas clearly and confidently

• Active listening and collaboration

• Working effectively within a team

Personal Development:

• Building self-confidence and resilience

• Developing emotional intelligence

• Understanding strengths and areas for growth

Practical Skills:

• Goal setting and planning

• Problem-solving and decision-making

• Participating in team challenges and leadership exercises

Students take part in a range of engaging, activity-based sessions designed to build confidence and apply leadership skills in real-world scenarios.

By the end of the programme, students leave with a stronger sense of self, improved communication skills, and the confidence to lead with purpose.

Daily Routine

Each day is structured to balance academic learning with activities and social interaction.

Typical Weekday Schedule:

• 07:30 – Wake-up

• 08:00 – Breakfast

• 09:00 – 12:00 – Academic Classes

• 12:00 – Lunch

• 13:00 – 16:00 – Electives or Activities

• 16:00 – Free Time / Optional Activities

• 18:00 – Evening Meal

• 19:30 – 21:30 – Evening Programme

• 22:30 – Check-in

• 23:00 – Lights Out

Weekends:

• Saturday: Full-day excursions

• Sunday: Workshops and relaxed activities

Accommodation & Campus Living

Students stay at St Salvator’s Halls of Residence, with full supervision from experienced residential staff.

• Safe and secure residential environment

• 24/7 staff support

• Designed to support independence and community living

Bedrooms:

• Single or shared rooms

• Shared rooms are arranged by gender, age, and mixed nationality

Classrooms & Facilities

• Academic sessions take place within walking distance on campus

• Electives use specialised facilities where appropriate

• Students are required to bring a laptop

• Full Wi-Fi access is available

Meals

All meals are included:

• Breakfast, lunch, and dinner daily

• Variety of options available

• Dietary requirements accommodated

Activities & Evening Programme

Students take part in a wide range of organised activities designed to build friendships and enhance the overall experience.

Activities include:

• Sports and recreational activities

• Creative workshops

• Team competitions

• Social events and themed evenings

• Quizzes and entertainment

Students also take part in larger cultural events, including the ISSOS Highland Games.

Weekend Workshops

On Sundays, students can choose from a variety of workshops, including:

• Sports sessions

• Creative activities

• Skill-based workshops

These provide a relaxed and engaging addition to the weekly programme.

Cultural Trips & Excursions

Students take part in a varied programme of excursions throughout the three weeks.

Full-Day Trips:

• Edinburgh – Guided walking tour and free time

• Glasgow – Visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery or the University of Glasgow, followed by city exploration

Half-Day Trips (choice-based):

• Glamis Castle

• Paddleboarding and sea kayaking (strong swimmers required)

• St Andrews town tour (cathedral, castle, coastal paths)

• Wild Shores Aqua Park (strong swimmers required)

Final Group Activity:

• Ten-pin bowling with all students and staff

All trips are fully organised and supervised.

Elective Programme

Students choose one elective, which takes place four afternoons per week.

Options include:

• Tennis

• Film

• Theatre

• Golf

• Art

Electives are designed to:

• Encourage creativity and exploration

• Build confidence and independence

• Provide balance to academic learning

Transportation

All programme transport is included and managed by the ISSOS team.

Airport Transfers:

• Airport: Edinburgh (EDI)

2026 Dates:

• Session 1: Arrival: 28 June | Departure: 19 July

• Session 2: Arrival: 22 July | Departure: 12 August

Recommended Departure Window:

• 06:00 – 17:00 (BST)

Safety & Supervision

• Full residential supervision

• Staff available at all times

• Structured daily schedule

• Fully supervised activities and excursions

What’s Included

The programme is fully inclusive and covers:

• Academic tuition (Youth Leadership + elective)

• Accommodation with full board (all meals)

• Course materials and equipment

• All excursions and trips

• Evening activity programme

• Sunday workshops

• Comprehensive insurance

• Academic report and certificate

• Programme materials

• Airport transfers (within scheduled times)

Overall Experience

This programme provides a supportive and engaging environment for students to develop leadership skills, confidence, and self-awareness.

Students leave with:

• Stronger communication and teamwork skills

• Increased confidence and independence

• A deeper understanding of leadership and personal impact

• The ability to lead with empathy, purpose, and responsibility