Minister Willetts admits some top-performing A-level students may not get their first-choice university
One in 12 A-level exams have scored an A* as concerns continued to be raised that hundreds of thousands of students could miss out on a university place.
The record-breaking A-level results for England, Wales and Northern Ireland showed that the pass rate has risen for the 28th year in a row - with more than one in four entries (27%) gaining an A grade.
A total of 9,302 exam entries (8.1%) were awarded an A*, according to figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications. This exceeded predictions, based on last year's results, that around 7% would get an A*.
But while sixth-formers across the country were celebrating, many are still facing a struggle to win a university place. By the end of June, more than 660,000 people had applied to start full-time undergraduate university courses.
Universities Minister David Willetts apologised to students who may find themselves turned away from university, saying: "There are more places at university than ever before, but sadly there will be people who have applied to university and don't get a place.
"I think it is great that young people aim high, but it is competitive and sadly not every person who applies will get a place."
It has been predicted that between 170,000 and 200,000, including sixth-formers and older learners, could miss out this autumn as universities face multimillion-pound cuts and pressure on places.
Clearing - the process that matches students with vacant university places - has opened, but it is expected to be short. Many universities are already saying they are full, and students who drop one grade could find they are turned away.
Andrew Hall, chief executive of the examining board AQA, insisted that the new way of assessing students was not designed to make A-levels harder. But John Dunford, general secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL), said there was "no question" that the exams were harder this year.
Dr Dunford added that this year's A-level group were the best qualified ever, and it was "deeply frustrating" that many will miss out on university.
By The Press Association
