I must concur with the comments about payment in advance - DON'T do it. History has shown time and time again that aviation does tend to be very much a "boom and bust" industry.
I received first class professional licence instruction at a once renowned flying training school in Scotland a few years ago. However, I was surprised to be asked to pay in advance, which I declined to do. During my few weeks there I kept getting phone calls from accounts, asking me to bring my account up to date. It quickly became obvious to me that the "writing was on the wall" for what had been a large flying training establishment. The accountants were running the place. They ceased offering flying training very soon afterwards.
Sometimes the easy option isn't the best option; it's sensible that you are looking a little further afield for alternatives. Make a broad decision.
