to have done most of the study (c. 80%) before I get near to the school.
Wrong. You will not have any significant time left to do any study while over there. So you should aim for having done
100% of your studies, including some significant time with the PPL confuser/simplifyer/whatever before you arrive at the school.
I'm a fast learner, but I spent about two months, three nights a week for two hours each with the books beforehand. But I did find the subjects (even air law
) fascinating and that helps a lot.
Whether you use the Thom or Pratt (AFE) books really doesn't matter. Choose the set that fits your personal style of learning. But in the end the CAA exams you've got to make are the same.