Hi there,
Usually most of the larger firms will support you (i.e firms that take more than four trainees a year - probably the ones you will see listed in the solicitors directory or LEX or something like that!).
Support usually consists of the firm paying for your LPC and/or GDL and then also a bursary to pay towards accomodation etc.
I have never heard of a firm paying for a degree though. It is probably difficult for them to see your potential at 17 or 18 to justify investing at least 18,000!
In terms of becoming a legal executive you could be paid on that route. You could just start working in a firm as a paralegal and then they might pay for you to do Legal Executive courses and support you until you become a solicitor. I think that is a real option - although you will need to find a firm that is interested in you and your potential!
I would talk to the Institute of Paralegals http://www.iop.org
