Thanks all and interesting to see comments about Portsmouth as that's where I went, for a largely taught degree, in applied science, which suited me better than a more research-focussed one and indeed which led me straight into the career I have now. However my one regret is staying so close to home (which is analogous to the Winchester option for DS). @Delphigirl that's brilliant about DD, she has done well.
I have just been going back through the spec for the RAU course and see I have made a mistake, it isn't four years, it's three, composed of a two year foundation degree and a one year BSc Hons top-up. I think I have got muddled up in my head with the foundation options in DS's other choices which would all mean 4 years.
@crazycrofter - that's brilliant that your brother managed to complete his degree that way. We do hope that DS will be able to live independently, albeit with more support than other young adults. He has been in weekly boarding for y13 with a view to making transition to uni living easier. I have given him a fair amount of support through 6th form (academically) but I suspect I have reached my limits history-wise, whereas for the countryside management, which he is doing a BTEC in at the moment, I am better able to keep up (it's an area I have always had an interest in, having been an active conservation volunteer for many years plus the science side is easy for me).
So, the pluses for RAU are:
More contact hours, lots of practical work, study support sessions
Lower entry requirements therefore not out of depth academically, especially with countryside BTEC in the bag, offsets SENS a bit hopefully.
Lots of links with possible employers (statutory bodies, national charities, consultancies etc), inc short work placement.
Small setting, more like a school
Small course, get to know people better
Small town location (DS is not a big city type, Winchester would be OK but not Portsmouth in that respect).
Great support - they have said he can stay in halls throughout if he needs to, they provide buddies, proof-readers etc.
Only 10% of the assessment is by exam
Far better chance of playing for the hockey team in a small uni and the local club is just across the road.
Cons of RAU - it's not history.
Pros of gap year - grow up a bit, time to learn to drive, work experience, carry on with current hockey and football teams.
Cons of gap year - work options fairly limited round here, public transport not great etc, would be back at home full time, might lose the studying habit. Likely to be unsociable, DS is quiet and doesn't have many friends locally. Student finance thing.