Big Eddie,
firstly, I sincerely hope it all goes OK for you, get through the college and go on to validate.
I am a bit suprised that no one has suggested that there is a world in ATC outside NATS, the vast majority of ATC units regional airports are not run by NATS and many of those do take on students who have not made it through CATC.
If it all goes pear shaped for you and you still want to be an ATCO, I'd suggest that you prepare the best CV you've ever written (don't be ashamed to ask for help or even better, ask someone who's used to sifting through them for advice), find out the names of the ATC Manager at every airport where you'd like to work (and even those you where you wouldn't) and drop them a line.
Many regional airports train their own ATSAs to become ATCO's, it's hard work, competition is fierce and you'd probably have spend 18 months or so as an Assistant before you'd be considered, but it's worth it if you've got the commitment and resolve.