Distance learning, if done full time can be as quick if not quicker than a residential groundschool. There is always someone to help if you have queries either on the phone or email plus the end of module consolidation courses are very good revision should you have any major problems.
I don't honestly believe airlines care where you have done your training, there are many people on these forums (myself included)who will assure you that modular is no disadvantage.
As for different schools, Bristol are excellent and I believe you can view their results online. You are within easy reach of Bournemouth and Southampton airports, plenty of choice for
flight training, I'm sure you will get plenty of opinions on here, all I would say is go and visit all the schools that interest you and ask questions.
Good Luck