I have heard that you REALLY have to take a refresher coarse in order to pass the examinations. Is this true? Can I not make it with only the books and notes?
Not only this but you have to go through the course notes using the guidance and following the worksheets and progress tests of an approved course. This is even more important to you now, as it means you have lot more to look at in choosing a school than some notes that are good.
There are at least 6 schools in the UK offering Distance-Learning courses - I work for one but am not sure of all the others that may be out there.
BCFT
Bristol Groundschool
Cabair
GTS
Oxford
And at least one other that escapes my mind at the moment.
You should really visit some schools, talk to instructors and students, get the feel of the place, investigate the efficiency of their admin as far as possible (do they answer all your calls, and send things they say they will send). This is a very individual choice, and the exams are difficult. These factors are all important.