Hi all,
Im 18 years old and was in the exact same possition. I did my GCSE's and started a seven year Motorsport engineering diploma at Brooklands. After about 2 months I decided to 'drop out' and concentrate on my flying. I live directly under Heathrow 090R and seeing the planes day in day out is a real inspiration. It was a massive decision to leave education compleatly, but one I havent yet regreated. Im 1/2 through my PPL and really enjoying it. The weathers not to good at the moment so flyings at a minimum.
I know im comming from a different angle to the other posts, but I just wanna throw my views in. Leaving education compleatly IS a risky move (nothing to fall back on ect), but Im not struggling at the moment and I got poorish GCSE's. A great example is of my current flying instructor, He got expelled from school twice and got poor GCSE's, he did no AS/A Levels and worked at Homebase for 2 years whilst learning to fly. Now hes starting with an airline next year. You have to put into consideration the pro's and con's of doing it this way tho. You maybe building up your hours quickly and maybe making good progress, but as mentioned before "you have nothing to fall back on". Getting a Career Development Loan is a highly recomended move if leaving full time education. HSBC and Loydes TSB both offer this serice. Im a step away from getting my loan. £25,000 is the maximum amount and that'll get you a decent way. You mentioned going overseas to do your licences...can be risky. Some countries licences might not be compatible with the UK's. i.e. If in the States a PPL would cost a lot cheaper but is not fully compatible with the UK. This would result in a further exam and skills test over here...£££'s adds up. On the other hand I do know a very good South African flying school (Port Elizabeth), and I highly recommend it. The South African Rand is very good to the pound and will save you thousands. The school is a full time commitment for 2 years and would cost you around £17,000 to get you frozen ATPL. If you want more info just ask.
Good luck in what ever you do.
Brad