Quite right, Send Clowns. Sorry if I didn't make it clear but you must indeed have passed all theoretical training and examination requirements before attempting the Skill Test. So if one was to leave the exams until late, then one would no doubt be rather rusty come Skill Test time unless one had completed a pre-Skill Test brush-up session - or had flown rather more than the required qualifying hours.
There are undoubtedly quite a few FTOs who would be happy to meet your requirements, particularly if you've passed all your ATPL theory exams and have the required flight time to begin the modualr course. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!