An independent school is independent in its finances and governance. Also known as private schools, non-governmental, privately funded, or non-state schools, they are not administered by local, state or national governments. In British English private school may also refer to a school in private ownership, rather than one which is endowed ie held by a trust, charity or foundation. They are usually not dependent upon national or local government to finance their financial endowment. They typically have a board of governors who are elected independently of government, and have a system of governance that ensures their independent operation.