Hi deltauniform, I’m 19, I’m at Oxford. I’ve just finished phase 1 exams and waiting for results. I’m telling you this is one hard course! When I was at college I did a BTEC in sport and exercise science, as much help as a chocolate teapot. If I had my time again I would most defiantly do A level maths, physics, and electrics, the schools say you need gcse level, but by the time you've reached the flight school it could be 2 years since you've looked at ohms law balls, or how to re arrange equations!
I didn't go to uni, as I felt it was choice between putting off training and potentially earning money, or doing a degree, which at the end of the day wont necessarily help me become a pilot. As with getting a loan, hsbc were very helpful with me, plus the bank of mum and dad were handy! Hope this helps at all.
Chris