I'm a student at CATS and they run in-house training for the ATPLs so although its a distance course we're in there each day being taught by instructors with the advantages that has over toiling alone at home.
This is a 9 month course - the new thing being submitted for approval is a 5 month course. Because thats more intensive and quick I understand there are extra regulations associated with it like having to sign the register each day to ensure the necessary number of training hours are accumulated.
I'm 7 papers through the course and am pretty happy - 96% average so far.
Cheers