As above, get the medical out of the way, if you are only going for a PPL then you will only need a Class 2 Medical, if you intend to go on to fly commercially, then you will need a Class 1, which I believe entails a trip to Gatwick & a £400 odd bill (I'm not 100% on that cost though)
If you are going for the NPPL then you just need a letter from your GP to say you are in good health etc.
You don't need a provisional license to start training, just deep pockets & a will to learn. For me, the flying bit isn't too bad, its the Accademic stuff that I find difficult, I just don't seem to be able to find the time to study!
good luck.
