Duplicate post, but seemed appropriate
I'm rather afraid to say the rumours are true. NATS have cancelled the January and April Aero courses (so that's 222 and 223). Currently 224 is penciled in for July, and I think a few of the people supposed to be on 222 have requested a hold until then.
The reason given, as I understand it, is that the economic climate has meant a drop in flights and that combined with high pass rates on the last few Aero courses has resulted in a glut of controllers.
Bearing in mind its 18 months before you get your validated controller I guess NATS have a tough job trying to predict demand down the line.