With reference to the 'flexible' payment terms, Ravenair do a PPL package (45 hours) for £6,500. I'd like to pay £1000 a month for 6 months, rather than, as you put it, lend them the money! If I pay for each lesson at a time, plus the extras it will be closer to £8,500, so there is also the siginificant cost saving as well as the reduced risk.
Please listen carefully :
NEVER PAY UP FRONT!!