I don't think you can do the brush-up course at Bristol without doing the distance learning first. Even if you could, I don't think you'd gain much from it.
I'd suggest you just choose a school and get started! If you go for distance learning, you will have to do one of these brush-up courses (because the CAA say you have to) before the exams. Although, if you can spare the time and the money, I'd suggest you do a full-time course rather than a distance learning one.
Good luck!
FFF
-------------