This wouldn't be a flying school over on the emerald isle by any chance?
I applied to one when I was starting out instructing and they wanted me to pay for checkride, and if successful, 5 hours "solo local familiarisation training". In return they demanded I work 7 days a week for peanuts.
Must say that the satisfcation in telling them where to stick their "offer" was considerable and I would certainly recommend your mate does the same.
VFE.