Case Study – retakes and tuition-providers

Hi all,

Apologies for the length of this post. Basically, I sat the ICAEW Case Study in November (for “R4”). Failed quite comfortably (40%), which was surprising, as I thought it went quite well. This must mean I really misunderstood the exam system.
Am retaking in July 2018, and would be very grateful for any advice. In particular I’ve been thinking about the following issues:
1). Is it worth studying the ICAEW manual for Case? Was given a copy by tuition provider on my previous attempt. Have had a quick look through it, but can’t really figure out how useful it is. Going through the book properly would probably take a lot of time.
2). Is it worth attempting the past papers? The problem here is that, for each one, you need to learn the AI. This is an enormous investment just to sit one past-paper. I’m worried that either I’ll rush through the preparation and won’t get proper benefit, or alternatively do the papers extremely thoroughly, but be very inefficient with time.
3). Some providers (Training by EOS and ACA Simplified) each offer several mocks based on the actual case-study. On the one hand, you get practise of the exams (with feedback etc.) without having to make the AI-investments as per point 2. On the flip side, these mock exams aren’t genuine ICAEW ones. Is there a risk they might be inaccurate or misleading?
4). It’s difficult for me to get face-to-face tuition. I previously studied at Kaplan Newcastle (local to me), but don’t think the tuition was very useful. The providers who look good to me are in Gloucestershire (Reed), or London (EOS and ACA Simplified), for which the travel and accommodation would be highly prohibitive. Is the quality of online tuition (for example remote marking, online tutorials) good for these providers?
5). I’m considering buying the “Cracking Case” book from ACA Simplified. Is there much difference between the editions? I’m considering buying the November 2017 version, as I’m not sure if I can afford to wait for the July 2018 version (which I think is released in a month or so).
I’m strongly considering the below providers. If anyone has had experience with them I’d be very grateful to know.

Training by EOS
As above, can’t afford residential course, but it’s about £600 for online one. Won’t receive any direct feedback, and I’m concerned about the quality of the online resources.
The complete cost of tuition is included in the £600 above, which I feel is affordable.
They have several different mocks, most of which are based on the Jul 2018 AI (see point 3 above).
Staff seem well qualified (e.g. Neil Russell, who was a Senior Examiner for Case).

ACA Simplified
As above, can’t afford residential course. The online offerings are extremely fragmented. For example there separate charges for the mock-exams offered and for the online tuition (including e.g. AI work). First of all, this puts me off because it seems somewhat profiteering. Second, I’m not too sure which of the services I would use. If I tried them all, the costs would really mount up. Also, as for EOS, there wouldn’t be any face-to-face feedback, and I’m unsure as to the quality of the online resources that would be provided.
They have several different mocks, all of which are based on the actual AI (see point 3 above).

Reed Business School
No online option. I would be happier to attend this school than EOS or ACA Simplified, because travel and accommodation for Gloucestershire would be much cheaper than London.
There would be face-to-face feedback for this option.
There are only two mock exams, as opposed to 5 or so for both EOS or EOS or ACA Simplified.
Tuition is spread over just 4 days. I’m a little worried how much they can really cover in this time.

Thanks in advance for your help.