Richard,
Even the best of schools aren't so hot on web and email etc. Simply, they are too small and usually run by people who are good at flying!
On top of that, the BMAA's web site is a wee bit out of date.
I now fly from Strathaven, not Cumbernauld, and have for more than a year. But my entry is still Cumbernauld!
I suggest the interactive telephone! Plus a visit to see who you get on with. It is worth the travelling just to get the best course.
Personally, my web site is - I think - fairly good, and I was the first UK microlight school to sell gift vouchers online.
But it is hard work doing the lot - and running an airfield - so for that reason I turned down the offer to get an examiner's authority at my last re-rate. Would have been just one thing too many (already running well behind on trying for a radio examiner!)
So I can understand email probs (this is also holiday time for microlight instructors!)
Very best,
Colin