I learnt to fly at Elstree, my instuctor said that with all the problems documented ( odd circuits, shortish non-flat runway, tight TMA's), everywhere else would be easier to fly into which is certainly generally true. I think Firecrest generally have better instructors than Cabair who have a corporate expensive manner about them with lots of hour-building "waiting for a proper job" instructors.
Elstree is very friendly, unless a certain individual is on duty in air traffic....
LF