how it works with passing ATPL exams after self study
This might not be nesessary. All schools try to benefit from you commercially and therefore force you to sit on these sessions and pay for them. Moreover with my flight exparience according to JAr I am allowed to sit for exams without prior training within the JAA approved training organisation. When it came to choose the school where I would sit for exams almost each of them refused to accept me unless I buy distance learning course or attend refresh courses. This is because exams fees go directly to Aviation Authority not to flight school. I finaly contacted the Irish Aviation Authority, which conduct examinations in Ireland itself, send them the documents....and there you go!!! without any refresh courses and extra payments I just go to Ireland and sit for exams.
Good luck