Close to finishing my Cpl with JD & Alan, would recommend them as thorough, fair and honest.
Manchester is an intresting place to learn from and will set you up well to fly from large airports in a commercial manner. There is a departure fee of circa £20, but you often double up with other students so this is split between you. Circuit sessions are often done at Woodford/sleap for minimal or no charge, and we make use of free landing vouchers in x-country nax ex's which saves a few £'s.
As other posters have mentioned they teach over and beyond the basic sylabus and the emphasis is very much on making you think for yourself and practical decision making.
John is also very fair with the money - no large sums up front, no hidden extra's, & a fair airborne +15 minutes policy.