Hi Tim.
I've no first hand experience but I know a couple of driving instructors who reckon these courses are pretty useless (although... they have to say that) ;)
If its the full course (test included) then bear in mind his test may be anywhere in a 20 mile catchment area - wherever they have a gap, basically. It just means the test will almost certainly be on unfamiliar roads which is why the pass rate is so poor, and why they usually promise you a retest in the price.
I appreciate finding a good instructor is tough, but I'm still all for the old fashioned way over these intensive courses.