Whopity, quite correct - and I don't know why this information isn't more widely known...
So-called UAS 'air experience' flying with an unqualified instructor (i.e. neither a QFI nor a pilot who also holds a civil FI certificate) will not be credited.
Forget TheOddOne's advice as that applies only to EFT graduates and not to UAS cadets. Unfortunately.
Homsap, the cadet MUST qualify for his/her NPPL before Apr 2018, because NPPLs obtained after that date will not be convertible to part-FCL licences.