Probably best to take a look at the following link to see how previous experience can be credited towards an NPPL.
It would seem that as long as the flying scholarship training uses a 'conventional' single engine aricraft (ie not a Vigilant motor glider) and the instructor is CAA approved, then the hours would count towards an NPPL (SSEA).
Just cut and paste the
whole of the following link - it doesn't seem to display properly for some reason:
www.nationalprivatepilotslicence.co.uk/PDFs/NPPL XC REV 08.pdf
Best of luck with your flying
