Students se to miss out on universityt

HIGH achieving A-level students face being turned away from universities this year amid mounting competition for degree courses, the Government has admitted.

Universities Minister David Willetts said individuals with "good" grades were set to miss out despite an increase in the number of undergraduate places.

With less than a fortnight before A-level results are published, Mr Willetts suggested sixth-formers consider retaking exams or applying for apprenticeships.

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More than 660,000 people had applied to start full-time undergraduate courses by the end of June – up nearly 12 per cent on last year's record-breaking figure.

Competition has been intensified by some 45,000 people reapplying after being rejected in 2009.

Experts believe the rise could leave some 170,000 would-be students disappointed.

Mr Willetts told the BBC yesterday that the Government had made an extra 10,000 places available this year.

But he added: "It is going to be tough. There are young people who sadly are not going to get a place, including perhaps some young people who really have got good A-level grades."

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