Having experienced both residential (CPL Initial) and distance learning (ATPL & Perf A) I found that home study to cover the material, plus a residential brush up course to get used to operating under exam conditions, and most importantly gain recent exam question feedback worked well and was a cost effective solution.
6 weeks of residential study was as effective but costly..
enjoy !!
As my ATPL lecturer said at the begining of our 10 day course.."Look on the bright side... pass these, and your next brush with the CAA means you have a job to go to !"