Hello again Kathan,
1 - I got my ATPL on a CAA approved course (Cabair) - never did a PPL.
2 - I think it must have cost about £35k back then (>20 years ago)
3 - I got 5 'O' levels (predecessor to GCSE's), 3 grade B and 2 grade C. I didn't do A levels, I didn't think that I would be capable of passing them, instead I did a BTEC in Business Studies which I did pass.