Despite students collecting record A level results today, many will be left fighting for university places thanks to an unprecedented shortage of degree courses. Some warn that clearing places could be down by as much as 50 per cent on previous years.

Universities across Scotland and Wales have already said that there are no more places available, while clearing places in English universities are also significantly lower compared to last year. Hertfordshire University said it has fewer than 100 clearing places this year. In 2009, they had more than 1000, the Telegraph reports.

The lack of places will mean a difficult time too for teachers today as they try to help their students find places.

"It is easy to forget that this is not just a difficult time for students and their families, but for teachers, lecturers, tutors and admissions staff too" explains Julian Stanley, Chief Executive of Teacher Support Network and Recourse, the charity for those employed in the post 16 education sector. "They need to make important decisions that can affect someone's entire life and future career in a very short space of time. Often they are dealing with disappointed or disgruntled people and while they are, of course, professional and prepared, there is little thought paid to their own wellbeing and the emotional support that they may need."

To help teachers, the charity has launched a new 'Clearing' factsheet, which offers advice on maintaining their own wellbeing while offering support to their students.

Follow the links below:

• Clearing
• Helping children to cope with stress
• Your top tips for dealing with stress
• Tips on coping with exam pressure