Pilot with basic school grades (GCSE level)

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I for one wish to thank you for your military service.
It's something that I both respect and admire in a young man.

But here is where the problem lies.
The twenty somethings at airline recruitment often don't see it that way.
They can be more impressed with bankers, stock brokers and estate agents than military personnel.
Fortunately not all airlines are hipster companies.

But don't let that stop you.
Let nothing stop you.
That which doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.

Interviewing at an airline is either a fit or it isn't.
It can depend on whose on the other side of the desk and who else is in the room, and often has no bearing on you.
You could fail with one interviewer, and succeed with the next.
It's a giant crap shoot, called life.

I was a complete and utter failure at school.
I have but one O-level grade C in general science and two CSE grade 1 in maths and geography.
It's a pity there wasn't a O-level in aircraft spotting, and bicycle racing.
The Headmaster sent my parents a letter stating 'not to expect too much from me'.
I expected a lot from me, it just took a while for me to get going.
I had nothing to loose, all pressure was off.
I was free to succeed, I was free to fail.
I left school at age 16 and went into an aircraft engineering apprenticeship with British Airways.
Four years of City and Guilds from Southall College would have to suffice for further education.
But I also have every aviation qualification as pilot, flight engineer, instructor, mechanic and dispatcher.
This I did all on my own.

I have been a major airline Captain for the last 26 years.
I got into my position thru the back door, the flight engineer seat.
In order for that to work, I had to shine head and shoulders above everybody else.
Some would call it second best, but for me it's been the ultimate career.

You are in for the battle of your life.
But something tell me, you've been in a battle for your life before.
That's why I know I could rely on somebody like you.
It's a shame, I'll be long retired by the time you come along.

If you want to wipe the smugness off the old school tie and a crest crowd.
Then I recommend you look into a pilot degree program.
For A-levels at age 18 really don't mean anything.
A BSc trumps all A-Levels.

Kingston (currently Roehampton, but will move to Kingston Hill soon) has a one year full time or two year part time program.
All you need is a (f) ATPL to start.
Or Middlesex at Hendon has another program that is all on-line.
You have to be a F/O with a full ATPL for several years before you can start.
There is another program at New Bucks at High Wycombe, but I do not recommend it.

I wish you luck, and thanks again for your service.

Looking at your plan, I'd like to offer one or two changes.
First your PPL should either be in the USA or Canada, with about 100 hours.
The USA is priced out of the market at 1.25 at present.
The Canadian Dollar is in the same flunk as the Pound.
Then go to Dunfermalin for the written exams.
Then back to the US or Canada for 50-75 hours and an instrument rating.
Then to Aberdeen for the CPL IR/ME.