Student Loan debt and other debts

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How do student loans stand in relation to other debts? Basically I was at Uni from 95-99 and took out 4 loans which now total £8k outstanding. Only started earning over £25k until I got a new job in November 07 and the minimum repayments were £160. Problem was I'd arranged a mortgage and moved into my flat in November. Now this put my budget completely out of plan. I did contact the student loan company before I started repaying in March to try and reduce payments. They basically told me I couldn't do this as the minimum payment was not negiotable. I had debt then but have since accumulated more because of having to cover the added loan that I did not factor in. When I negiotiated the mortgage the job wasn't there!! Also, it took my slightly - by around £500 pa over the threshold - my budget was a bit stretched as it was. I've reviewed my finances and have worked out that I can pay the total amount over 5 years (while maintaining minimum payments on the other loan/credit cards) but with reduced payments for around 2 years increasing in later years. I am due to get increments in my job for at least the next 6 years (I work at a University) and have just qualified as an accountant so hopefully may get another job within the next year or two. Does anyone know how likely that the student loan company are to accept this or are they likely to request that I contact other creditors. Obviously I would like to ensure minimum payments on the loan and cards as they are less likely to affect my credit rating - I'm also due to remortgage next year and this could be affected. Any info would be most welcome.

Thanks
Jon