Just so I don't feel completely guilty hijacking this thread:
OFT does have some newer airplanes. They have (last I heard) two brand new 172's with G1000's (glass panels) in them. And the price isn't much higher than the normal 172's. They don't even smell of stale sweat and desperation, yet.
Stay away from the 152's. The last 152 was made in 1985. And nearly all of them have been used for flight training, so that means they have taken a beating for at least twenty years each. They aren't as solid feeling as the Warrior/ Cadets so (to me) they aren't quite as easy to teach landings in.
There are a few nice Cadets/ Warriors there. If you get the block rate, all the PA-28's cost the same, just be sure to schedule out the plane early, at least three to four days ahead. The other nice thing about going with a four seat aircraft is that you can ride in the back and watch your friend make mistakes you can learn from. And vice versa. Humility loves company.
OFT isn't the only place with instructor problems. Airlines in the states are hiring pilots with fresh commercial pilots certificates, so why instruct to build time? Ormond Beach, Naples Air, Oxford, ect are all running into the same problem.
My advice, ignore the 21 day bs, figure six weeks for a PPL, double check your account regularly while there, and 2/3 of your problems go away. Also, if you plan on staying to hour build, get your FFA PPL first, then convert it to JAA when you get back. Otherwise, you will be flying as a student pilot even after completing your JAA skills test since you won't have your license until you get back to the UK. The FAA certificate will be valid the minute after you pass your test.