John F Kennedy Primary School

About John F Kennedy Primary School

John F Kennedy Primary School in Sunderland is a state-funded, mixed primary school for children aged 3 to 11, and it is clearly a popular choice among local families. With 424 pupils on roll against a capacity of 441, the school is running very close to full, and the demand is evident from its admission data for the 2025/26 intake. The school received 99 total applications for 58 places, an oversubscription ratio of 1.71, and of the 56 first-preference applications, all 56 were offered places. This suggests that while competition is strong, most families who put it first are successful. The proportion of pupils eligible for free school meals stands at 24.1%, which is notably higher than the national average of around 23% and reflects the school's role in serving a diverse local community. The school is non-religious, with no formal religious character, and offers nursery provision for younger children, making it a straightforward option for families seeking a standard state primary without a faith designation.

Academically, John F Kennedy Primary School performs well above the local average. In the 2023/24 Key Stage 2 assessments, 73% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths combined, compared to the Sunderland local authority average of 67%. This places the school 19th out of 73 primary schools in the borough, comfortably within the top 26% locally, and 3341st nationally out of 13,686 schools. The school's average scores in reading (107) and maths (105) are both above the national benchmark of 100, and the proportion of pupils achieving a higher standard in reading (38%), writing (33%), and maths (31%) is solid. The most recent Ofsted inspection, in 2021, rated the school Good overall, with leadership and management also judged Good. This is a significant improvement from its previous inspection in 2010, when it was rated Requires Improvement, and the school has held its Good rating through a subsequent ungraded inspection.

The school offers a strong range of facilities and extracurricular activities that will appeal to families looking for a well-resourced primary experience. Facilities include a Forest School, art studios, a sports hall, playing fields, and a chapel, while clubs cover drama, eco club, choir, chess, and art club. Sports provision includes netball, football, rounders, dance, and gymnastics. For families with children who have additional needs, the school has a broad SEND offer, including support for moderate learning difficulties, social, emotional and mental health needs, speech and language difficulties, physical disabilities, and autistic spectrum disorder, as well as a resourced provision. The school is oversubscribed, so families should be prepared to apply early and list it as a first preference to maximise their chances. It suits families who want a Good-rated, non-faith primary with strong academic outcomes relative to the local area, a wide range of enrichment, and a clear commitment to inclusion.

Key Details

Frequently Asked Questions About John F Kennedy Primary School

Helpful Guides for Parents