Tubular Bells: I wouldnt worry too much about computer based training. I think the reason behind them is, along with full page adverts with fancy graphics and photographs, it tries to portray an image that is false. Behind all the Registered trade marks slogans, computers and the lowest of them all the links on websites to airlines with apparently abundant employment once you have your ATPL, are the Instructors. You can have all the smoke and mirrors propaganda but these are the cornerstone. I am in the relatively unique position of having been to one of the former relativly new school AND a "Low Tech" Overhead projector type of school EPTA. Here vast experience and knowledge replaced marketing spoof.
For me the difference was night and day. I noticed that students there were NOT asked for any extra money for re-training and or re-submission into further exams which is the reason why I had ended my relationship with my previous school.
There are those who will pass their exams first time and for them as long as they have good notes it doesnt really matter what school they go to. I think however that like me most people will struggle at least with one or two subjects and thats where the good instructors far overshadow the Marketing Mans Computer and Trade Marked Slogans and acronyms. A few hours one to one with a good instructor did more for me than months elsewhere. I passes the last of my repeats with very good marks and I would attribute that to the instructors in the school actually taking more than a passing intrest in me their student.
Having said that others who passed through behind me were very happy with the course and it may be that my personal disputes with the CGI clouded my opinion of the school. I am man enough to admit it and hold back on the heavy handed remarks. What I dont do is come on and Rant and Rave about a school I have never been to and about People I have never met, Peggy Murphy, you made need to take a look in the Mirror.
EPTA Groundschool are very reputable and very good at what they do. I think the facts and figures in Keiths Post speak for themselves.
It is also true that a student having used 4 attempts to pass a subject and 6 visits in total (The Maximum before a total resit) and brought back to teach the subject a few weeks late
Unfortunately these are the things you have no way of finding out until it is over, that is unless you pick a reputable school in the first place!