Mintflavour
Did the whole lot by distance '96 - CPL Nav (Bristol)& Tech (PPSC) first then ATPL Nav (PPSC)second - Alex is very good but found PPSC the best for passing CAA exams. GFT's at Bristol then upgrade at Preswick. I was working my nuts off in my day job through the CPL stuff - I have never been so busy in my whole life. Used to get home at 6pm, nosh, work 7-11 every night and all day Sat and Sunday for three months.
I never had any tuition - it is possible, just bloody hard graft. But that is what sorts the men from the boys out and why there is a special job waiting for you at the end of it.
I used to get seriously pissed off with Big Airways cadets at Preswick moaning in the bar about their lousy allowances having gone through what you are going through - my IRT cost me 3 months rent (focuses the mind!).
I spent 25K (2K in CAA fees - bastards) and had no gaurantees about employment and relatives who all thought I was "mad" - all different now though of course with a "top job".
Now a Btitannia FO. Beats working for a living. Keep the faith - there is a tremendous amount of self esteem to be gained by doing it all off your own bat.
Good Luck - Don't give in!