What are my options?

Hello.

I come from a very religious family that did not encourage (read actively discouraged) further education / university and as such I never considered it a viable option.

I am now 23 and eager to make up for my misspent youth. Firstly I know I need to get my a-levels. Whilst I am fairly confident of which subjects I would like to pursue, I have hit a brick wall when it comes to options.

As far as I can comprehend, I have two main choices. Either attend a private college or study an online (at home) course. My cousin holds a Phd in English so I am trying to contact him to see if he can help me in any way.

If anybody here has any suggestions or is (or has been) in a similar position please do let me know.

Regards.