I just have a small point and question to chuck into this topic.

Does the fact that WMU have changed from OATS to Bristol have anything to do with the below national average first time IR pass that OATS has?? I just ask as it may be relevant to people who are looking to start their training.

Yes, but don't forget that the national average includes ex-miltary and also experienced pilots with established foreign licences who simply need a conversion and those who are experienced, but have let their licences lapse.

There is a heck of a difference between an ex-Tornado pilot with 2000 hours doing a civil rating at anither college and an ab initio with 150 hours on Warriors and Senecas doing it at Oxford.

Oxford only deal with ab initios. You're not comparing like with like.

You're right in saying that a "national" average is really fairly meaningless, but you're off the mark when you say that WMU moved elsewhere because of pass rates compared to such an average - they did not. There were other issues involved which started the whole process.

Well didnt I open a can of worms.. .I think Greengauge22 needs to simmer slightly, I can tell you that myself and Presbycusis are indeed seperate people and did not start this thread to have a go at OAT. . .Lots of valuable input added to this topic, All I was after was conformation of a rumour, I think Greengauge got a bit carried away harping on about SEPT11!. .Cheers Chaps.