While at PAT I felt that I have not been over trained at all (as remarked by sent clowns as well) and I had a first time pass rate on my IR. Had an excellent instructor though who every time I messed up during IR training was kind enough to point out that in the IR test such a mistake would cost me at least GBP 2500 extra in re-training and re exams etc..
That kept me focused allright
Also there was one or two students that I wouldn't like to fly with that did go to the test against better judgement and failed that happens as well! It is not only the school but also the wishful thinking of a lot of us that bring the percentages down... Not sure how to deal with that as a school...
So yes look around and talk to the students and specially past students if you can find them as they will advertise all the things a school will not tell you! (at PAT they have Bruno, a dog that eats your lunch for instance...
but hey I can handle buying a new sandwich
)