The weather won't be appreciably better in either location, overall.
I don't believe Derek is somehow magically better than other schools.
Here's what to do;
-Stop fannying about on PPRuNe.
-Pick a school; go and visit one that has reasonable prices that is located somewhere good for you. Unless you're going to the US, don't both trying to pick somewhere in the UK with good weather.
-When you visit, walk in unannounced, find the Operations person, explain your situation and ask what they can do for you.
-Repeat until you find somewhere you feel comfortable at that make you feel welcome. Talk to the othet studes as well, see what they have to say.
-Don't pay upfront, ever.
-Get flying, pronto. You keep going on about your September deadline. Well, you posted here almost two weeks ago, and far as we know, you've still not gotten back into the air.
-Report back.