Thought you might be interested to learn the entry requirements in the good old days when BA's College of Air Training at Hamble was still churning out pilots.
The following is taken from an advert in the back of Aeroplane Monthly, January 1974:
If your dreams of becoming a pilot with the world's best airlines are to come true, you've got to be good. Very good.
You've got to be very good all round; academically, physically and as a leader. British Airways, among the world's most famous airlines, runs a tough, two-year Airline Pilot Training Scheme for young men who can produce these essential requirements.
You have to be aged between 18-24 (26 for graduates) when you commence your initial training course. You must have at least five GCE passes which include two 'A' levels preferably with a science bias. Essential subjects are English Langauge and Mathematics with Physics or Chemistry, or General Science. Scottish and Northern Ireland equivalents are acceptable. You must enjoy complete physical fitness too including good eyesight, reactions, and hearing. You've got to be a leader in every sense of the word.
If you match up to our demands you're certainly of university calibre. Pilot training will put you well on the road to getting a degree. You pass out of Hamble with two Open University credits, and may acquire more during further training. This places you half way along the road to graduate status.
Take your first step towards a truly rewarding flying career now! Write giving full details to: The Principal...
Not so much has changed then re pre-entry requirements, although it is interesting to note that the advert refers to 'young men' only. Can anyone recall when the first women pilots joined BA? Perhaps this was a Hamble specific thing?