Thanks, SoCal App. And BackPacker - brilliant. Very helpful post indeed.
Up-front money isn't a problem, but I don't have the time to take several weeks off, and I'd rather do without the pressure of trying to pass the tests in a very limited space of time. My intention is to just do as much as I can in the time available, taking advantage of the lower costs and good weather - then when I'm back in the UK, get the practice in and ultimately do the tests on the usual "book three sessions a week, fly one" routine we have to deal with in this country. Also, I'd much rather get substantial experience in this country with an instructor before qualifying and being let loose on my own: the flying environment here seems rather different.
I don't expect to save much money overall, but I do hope that a concentrated period to build the basic skills will help my progress, and it seems like a good way to use my holiday allowance, too!
cheers,
mtw