I have recently had some communication with the CAA on CPL/IR, and the information sent to me by email confirms that the various previous posts are correct i.e. if you have a CPL and do the IR exams, then you are considered to be at ATPL theory level by the CAA.
This was explained to me on the basis that the IR exams only cover those parts of ATPL theory that are not already covered at CPL level, and thus by combining CPL exams with the cut down IR exams, ATPL theory is achieved.
Martin 1234, there is no ATPL check ride to take, if you have a CPL you have already passed it. What is different is the requirements for issue of the ATPL. It can only be issued after you have accumulated ( I think) 500 hours as P2 on a multi-pilot heli, which you can obtain with a CPL/IR, the key point being that you cannot act as P1 until you have met all requirements and been issued with an ATPL.
Basically JAR licenses have become task oriented - if you do not intend flying as P1 in multi-pilot helicopters, which is either North Sea or SAR, then you do not need an ATPL. A CPL/IR will allow you to do everything else, including P2 in such helis.
Ground Training Services at Bournemouth & Atlantic Flight Training do the IR exams