To me the more important question is why the RAF insist on a very high standard of education (A levels or degree I understand). As someone who had 4 'O' levels and a CSE grade one in Design Studies I managed to spend 9 years flying fast jets. Yes the academics were a struggle, but if you're determined and have some sort of natural ability then you can succeed. I also had a spell as a QFI and being a Uni graduate made no difference what so ever.