Hi There,
Life at SFC is not as bad as what people say if you know what to expect, what is expected of you and what the company is investing in you.
The ATPL theory stage can be quite taxing mentally. You will be required to sit for 14 papers within a period of six months and it is not an easy task. Its a little bit like going back to university and staying in the hostel. For six months, all you'll do is study theory, understand concepts and apply them to questions. Many have gone through it and in the past one year, there were only 2 or 3 who did not make the grade (out of 100+ cadets).
With regards to the admin staff and teachers, its just like working with people anywhere else. If you're nice to them, they'll be nice to you. Nothing special and definitely no special boot licking required. They are there to facilitate your studies and will not go out of their way to make life difficult for you.
Let me know if you have any more questions and I will try to answer them.
Cheers
GhosRider