Hm, i would say most of the respondants have a point here. Yes it is a lot of money and it does depend on the route the individual wishes to take PPL, CPL, FI. as far as funding goes there is a combination of people borrowing money, remortgage, career development loans etc, or the fortunate few who have the funds through there income and intend to purchase their own heli.
As far as schools in the south are concerned, there is one with a very high reputation who operate well maintained and clean aircraft and any lazy pupils will not be given an easy ride, and no i am not advertising them, thats why i am not mentioning them by name, would not think i would need to!!!!