Hi PilotPearse1996,
I had the same problem some time ago! Someone suggested that I join my local Air Training Corps. Five years later I had flown gliders solo, had visited several foreign countries, made some lifetime friends, and had a Private Pilots Licence. All of that was paid for by the RAF (and no, they did not demand that I join).
The ATC taught me an incredible amount about flying and the aviation industry, and I so recommend joining.
By the way, unlike when I left school, the RAF do short sevice commissions (I think). Many of my colleagues in BA were ex-RAF, having messed around in fast jets for a few years before getting a proper job flying passengers!
If that took your fancy, being an ATC cadet would help at selection.
Hope this helps. Good luck.
AD