Hi there,
I'm a fair way down the modular route at the moment (I'm on 150 hours, sitting the first of my ATPL exams in a couple of weeks and hoping to start the CPL in c. 5 months). I've taken quite a mix and match approach to my training, which I hope will not go against me.
The principle I've tried to follow is checking out each school I'm going to do some training with thoroughly. Going to the seminars is a good idea, but also make sure you get the names and numbers of a few students who have passed through in the last 6 months, so you can quiz them on the phone about how they got on with the school. Any school should be prepared to give you some names and numbers.
Have you given PAT at Bournemouth any consideration ? I have been to visit them a couple of times and hope to do my IR there. They are on the more expensive side but have a very good reputation and are not just out to cater for the 20 year olds you mention.
I'm 36 at the moment, and the brush up course for the exams I just went on had a couple of other guys in their mid 30s and one guy at 39. I have heard that after 40, getting a job gets harder , but there are plenty of people out there who are walking testaments to the fact that it can be done.
Good luck with it all.
Mungo