Some companies are already involved in the initiative

Ministers want the private sector to have more contact with the care system, and some of the UK's leading companies have signed up to a new initiative.

The project emerged as a White Paper on improving the education of children in care was published.

Education Secretary Alan Johnson said: "I welcome the commitment made today by big business to play their part."

School places

Banking giant HSBC has already committed �1m, BT will involve its apprenticeship scheme, and talks are being held with Citi, Deutsche Bank and BSkyB.

Measures in the White Paper include making schools give places to children in care, even if they are full, and providing bursaries of a minimum of �2,000 for those who go on to university.

The government will also pilot a scheme in 11 local authorities for children to receive help from a "virtual head teacher", who would check on the progress of all children in care in their area.