National school (England and Wales)

These schools provided elementary education, in accordance with the teaching of the Church of England, to the children of the poor.

Prior to 1800, education for poorer children was limited to isolated charity schools.

The National Society was set up in 1811 to establish similar schools using the system of Dr. Andrew Bell, but based on the teachings of the Church of England in contrast to the non-denominational Christian instruction of the Lancastrian schools.

The National Society responded by raising £10 million and almost doubling the number of its schools to 12,000 in 15 years.

Under the Education Act 1944 ("the Butler Act") these schools became voluntary aided or voluntary controlled primary schools, funded by the state but still able to promote the teachings of the Church of England.