It is a requirement of the ANO that all aircraft make themselves aware of the circuit pattern of any airfield that they fly over or near. So, they should do that even for a small unlicenced strip.
I'd suggest picking the phone up to the CFI at Linton or Cranwell for a chat, the last thing they need is a problem with one of their students on an exercise and will almost certainly give you a fair hearing and have words in the right places.
G