A desperate race for university places was under way today, after sixth-formers across the country celebrated another record-breaking year of A-Level results.

About one in 12 exam entries (69,302 in total) were awarded one of the new A* grades, according to figures published by the Joint Council for Qualifications.

This exceeded predictions, based on last year’s results, that about seven per cent would get the top grade.

Overall, the pass rate rose for the 28th year in a row – with more than one in four entries (27 per cent) gaining at least an A grade.

But despite the bumper year, many students were still facing a battle to win a university place.

Figures published by the university admissions service Ucas show that more than 185,000 students are eligible for clearing – which matches students with vacant university places – this year.

Last summer, 47,600 students accepted places through clearing but fewer places are expected to be available this year. Around 18,000 courses have places available.

More than 660,000 people applied to university by the end of June, and it is predicted that between 170,000 and 200,000 could miss out as universities face multi-million-pound cuts.

Asked what he would say to students left without a place at university, Universities Minister David Willetts said: "I would say to them, we have done our best, there are more university places than ever before. I am sorry that they haven’t got a place.

“And now, they have got a big decision to take. They can think about how they can strengthen their CV and reapply next year with something that might improve their chances.”