greens
50 (or 55) hours is enough for a standard IR course. I know schools that have very high pass rates, in the 70s or even 80s of %, with most students doing little or no more than the basic. Perhaps it helps as you suggest that they work closely with the examiners, as there is a CAAFEU on the airport. However I don't think a general extension is required. I actually passed after less than 50 hours, had to fly a couple of hours after the test, and would not have appreciated having to pay any more at over £300 per hour!