Good school, good instructors, good reputation. I’ve met a number of KLMUK captains who started off at Stapleford in the dim and distant. Not much of a ‘clubby’ feel, but then again it’s not really that sort of place.
I’m not yet at CPL/IR stage, but if I was I’d have a good think about approach fees at Southend, as well as exam locations. It’s very handy being able to commute to Stapleford, but nipping round to Cranfield in a Seneca could work out rather expensive if your test gets cancelled for any reason.