Hey there,
Short answer: I don't know. Really, I would call the tutor at whatever college you're considering attending. Have to point out though, that if you haven't already booked a place you could be too late for 2012. My Access tutor starts interviewing for places in May, so you need to get in contact quickly.
In the event that you can't start the course this year, I've been told that from 2013 FE student loans are being introduced (since 2012 is the last year of funding for Access, apparently). These are supposed to work in the same way as HE loans, with repayments not being expected until you earn a certain amount of money. Also, they won't effect HE funding for University. This is still a crappy deal (for people getting left without funding), but at least there's another avenue available for people who can't or don't want to pay up front.
Anyway, sorry I couldn't answer your question directly. I'd definitely call an Access tutor who should be able to explain everything.
And good luck with whatever you decide to do.