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Scottish children in care are still not fulfilling their potential in education, the deputy education minister Robert Brown said today.

While looked-after children have gained more qualifications this year, too many are not fulfilling their academic potential, he claimed.

"We have made it clear that this is an issue that everyone involved in their care and protection must address," he said.

"Accepting failure is not an option."

The figures, published today, show that half of children in care left with at least one qualification, up from 43 per cent in 2005. The number of children in care gaining qualifications in English and maths has also increased from 28 per cent to 34 per cent.

Brown concluded: "We now need a renewed focus on the issues, so that we can build on the improvements of this year.

Last year we established a group to look in detail at the issues affecting children in care and their education.

"This work, which will be published shortly, will clearly set out how we can help these children flourish, excel in education and go on to successful, productive futures.

"They deserve nothing less."