A national school is a particular type of primary school in Ireland which is not directly financed and administered by the State: rather the affairs and policies of the school are managed by a local Board of Management , which is often directed by a member of the clergy, and includes other local people. Most schools in Ireland fall into this category, and it is a pre-independence concept.
Local people are expected to contribute towards capital expenses of the school, whilst teachers' salaries are paid by the state. Like other schools the day-to-day business of the school is managed by a Principal or Headteacher. The state does oversee the curriculum and make regular inspections to ensure that standards are kept and national policies are followed.
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