If I do my PPL in the UK it'll also be with one of the schools above (Aeros/BFC/Airways) so when I go back for the CPL I should know the airfield, approaches, instructors and aircraft pretty well
Wish I had done it that way. Makes a huge difference knowing the general area.
There is a VRP to the south of Leeds which to this day I still haven't found. Its at the bottom of a valley next to a cinema. I was doing a positioning flight the other day VFR and we flew over it, still couldn't spot it.
I wouldn't worry to much about choosing your cpl school just yet but I can't see much wrong with your plan so far.
I hope you have visited Gatwick to get your medical sorted out before you plan your life to much.
Good luck