From my experiences, I don't see why there's such a big divide between School Direct and PGCE. The first three weeks in September for us were based in uni, and then we are in uni every Friday (I'm PGCE), and the SD lot spent the first three weeks in their lead school for their alliance doing training and lectures, so basically the same thing we were doing at uni. Then every Friday they are in their lead school again for training. So basically the exact same thing but their lectures are at a school rather than uni.
I chose the uni route because I wanted the support of the uni behind me and I'm glad because I have amazing tutors who I feel I wouldn't be on the course if it weren't for them. I've also met some really nice people and the whole course is a great lot.