Hi,
I too recently got myself into a place that would allow learning to fly. I'm 11 hours in and it is every bit as good as I hoped it would be.
I too live in the Great Manchester but have opted to learn to fly at Liverpool, Barton just didnt work for me for a few reasons.
I will say this but everyone will tell you this DO NOT PAY UP FRONT.
Visit each school and meet the people and get to know the instructors and see if you like them and they way they look after you.
Costs wise there are a few extras. Books, 9 lots of exams including a practical RT exam. You'll need some ground school and some flying bits(charts, pens, rulers etc).
If you want to know have the full letter and verse PM me and I'll be happy to meet up.
Stan