To T W
I'm in a similar situation to you, but a bit further progressed. So here's my summary:
Entry requirements before starting the course (see AIC 105/1998 - White 325):
Experience (ok)
CPL knowledge, as stated above you can do the UK CPL exams if you get in quick (November first sitting and pass by next June). I'm doing this to save the cost of a ground school, I have previously qualified as an AOPA ground instructor (GIC) and haven't found the studying too heavy. So if your reasonably up to speed, this may be worth a try - about £250 for the books and £550 for the exams, but you only have a few weeks left to enter the exams. I'll let you know how I do.
There is an assessment flight prior to starting the FIC(A) course. This shouldn't be a problem from what I'm told.
It seems you can do either the UK or JAR-FCL 1 course if you intend instructing in the UK. More of the establishments are switching to JAR which involves a bit more flying but has fewer restrictions afterwards. Not everyone on the CAA list of approved schools seems to be offering the course, so its worth shopping around.
I don't have the time to do the course full time, but several schools can accommodate this from what I'm told.