I like the comment that EPTA offer free re-training for up to 2 re-sits. Of course you cannot say that students who train with school X will definitely pass 1st time as opposed to training with school Y, but I my first thoughts in hearinig this 'fall back' option is that they are anticipating that you will not pass first time! With a national average first time pass rate of somewhere in the region of 60% for Theory of Flight (this being the lowest first time pass rate of all 14) then yes it is safe to say that not everyone will get all 14 ATPL exams in their first attemt. However, it just makes me think that the school in question has little faith in their tuition if they offer this as standard!
I always say to any one looking for the cheapest training this is a very dangerous financial game to play. Please note that the advertising in question has a very small little star next to the price! The small print can sometimes be so deliberately small that if you do not know the questions to ask, some schools will not volunteer the answers. Please look out for the favourites additional costs VAT, fuel, test fees, landing fees AND approach fees, sometimes the advertised aircraft hire rates do not include the instructor!
Where ground school is concerned please ask to see the manuals, some schools are still using some very old notes. The reproduction of these can render them barely legible in places and the ammendments are thicker than the books themselves!
The best advice I can give anyone in choosing a school. Visit the school. Sounds obvious but you must be sure you are making the right choice for your 'investment'. If you can, speak to students, preferably away from the watchfull eye of the FTO itself. When I was training people used to ask me as they were visiting the school what I thought of it, with my instructor (the man who would be writing my report which would have some bearing on my future employment prospects) looking over my shoulder, I was very hesitant to say anything against the school. But talking in a neutral environment there were plenty of things to warn people about.
Advertising is designed to attract potential customers. Schools could advertise ATPL ground school courses 'from £100*' this would attract the attention and the enquiries therefore rendering the advertising effective. But on calling the company you would find out that * meant £100 for 30 minutes tuition, not including desk, chair, manuals or lighting and heating!
To all of you out there looking for a reputable FTO, there are many theives, rogues and vagabonds willing to take your cash, and there are many good, honest and well run schools. Good Luck in finding the right FTO for you, and good luck for your future career.