You can get funding for your fees, plus maintenance grants which don't have to be paid until you start earning GBP17K (fat chance these days) and you can work part time to sustain yourself.
not CC, just making things bit straight.
repayment of 9% of gross income over 15k per annum (ie 450 pa if earning 17k). maintenance grant is free money. One could also get loan. That's besides tuition fees, depending on which part of the UK.
Well, why would someone aged 42 want to start FT degree, with all the commitments of family? Not that it doesn't happen, but..
Speaking as SLF, on my flights to/from the US and US domestic, I've seen quite a few CC/FA folks in their 40s or even more. No idea about legacy airlines in the UK/Europe since using locos I only see 20-something girls.
I once applied for CC job/open day, but realised later on I'd rather work on getting to flight deck :-D I wouldn't see myself retiring as CC, though.
All the best with picking fun, reasonably paid and giving satisfaction.