schools/clubs or what ever you want to call
If you think it's a school and expect exactly the same as from a flying school then no wonder you are disappointed. They are clubs- the intention is not only gliding but social, unlike (
AFAIK) flying schools.
There should be no problem over structure as the BGA syllabus is clear and all the clubs I've visited all have some sort of progress card which shows how you are doing, though succeeding in something one week doesn't guarantee succeeding the next. However getting to Bronze in a year can be a challenge because of the weather and limited flying in the winter plus the need to develop enough skill at soaring to be able to stay up for a couple of hours for the XC endorsement.
I say again, most of the instruction at all clubs is unpaid. You are choosing to take time out of your day to be there, they are choosing to take time - unpaid time - for Bloggs to try to kill them.
If you want an intensive course get on the Internet, use the BGA website and book one. There are plenty of clubs offering 5-day courses.