Like many people have already said, LF, it is something that has beem discused many times before but heres my 2 pence worth.
First of all I am suprised an eager beaver like yourself, didn't think to try out the British airways dedicated jobs website!
They require a min 2 A Levels A-C, degree in no means required, Min age on application is 18, max 26. So if you do decide to go to Uni and let the industry "settle down" then you come out with only 4 yrs worth of sponsorship searching available. after that, anywhere you will be too young. Then you'll need to start thinking about self sponsorship....AFTER you've paid off that uni debt, then you need to actually GET the money to self sponsor.....Lets say your 28, and now have the loan for £55K...you start training and now about 30, you've finished training....and.....your too old as a low houred pilot with no Jet/Turboprop experience, and yes, you have a £55K loan to pay off.
Personal, I am a teenage college drop out doing it self sponsored whilst I can, with fundraising help from my dad (very lucky I know). Aiming to get high passes in my JAA exams, and will be 19 when I am ready for employment...plenty of years for job searching and not with any large particular LOAN as such to pay off. ANdm whilst pilot job surfing, I can get a full time job to fund to keep up my hours and ratings valid.
It took me about 2 months of thinking. My backup plan, commercial training in IT have always loved IT so it won't bother me as it bores some people on the forum. (and yes, I have had work experience full time In IT).
Good luck with future decisions.
OBK!
P.s sorry about spelling but I really can't be bothered with this ErGOnoMic keyboard...temporary of course.