Hey Tobster, pleased to see you have started at the right end of the spectrum by flying GLIDERS! That's the basics out of the way then, no need ever to worry about the engine going silent! (glide ratio of power plane with no engine? about 12 to one?)
I hope you have a medical certificate of some sort before spending a lot of money on power flying/
And the advice given above to never never pay large sums up front is spot on.
Lots of times flying schools go bust and vanish, with your money.
Learning to fly on the Robin a good idea. And also a good idea to fly the taildragger at Clacton. BOTH ARE GLIDER TUG PLANES IN GENERAL USE.
which may give you ideas.....you get no money for flying the tug, but boy can you build up the hours! Booker and Bidford are all aerotow. And I think Aboyne in Scotland, and possibly Black Mountains gliding club in Wales. Recommend visiting all these places.
Where did you do your gliding? and how far did you get? Silver C used to knock a lot of hours off the PPL requirement....
Let us know how you get on! and visit us at Shenington some day.
Mary