John F Kennedy Primary School
Washington, NE38 7AR · Sunderland · primary school
Check the area around this school
50th of 73 primary schools in Sunderland we can score, 81 in total — the rest without enough published data. Local and same-phase on purpose: a national table mostly measures who attends.
Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still — 7.7/10 against 2,539 of them, against 6.6/10 nationally. Both figures are results only, without the inspection grade. A lower figure here means a stronger comparison group, not a weaker school.
How this is worked out
| Measure | Percentile | Weight | Adds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expected standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 65.0 · 52 | 40% | 2.07 |
| Ofsted | 7 | 35% | 0.24 |
| Higher standard (RWM) 2024/25 | 18.0 · 89 | 25% | 2.23 |
Each measure is read as a position among comparable schools, so a school in the middle of the country scores 5. Full method.
John F Kennedy Primary School overview
How it's doing
In 2024/25, 65.0% of pupils reached the expected standard in reading, writing and maths, compared to the national median of 64%. For the higher standard, 18.0% achieved it against a national median of 7%. Narrow the comparison to schools whose pupils have similar backgrounds and it does better still (7.7 out of 10 against similar schools, 6.6 out of 10 against all schools). The school was inspected in January 2026 under the new report-card framework, which grades each area separately and gives no overall grade.
Beyond the classroom
The school provides both a breakfast club and an after-school club for wraparound care.
Getting in
The published school roll is 412 pupils against a stated capacity of 441. These whole-school figures do not establish entry-year vacancies or the likelihood of an offer. Confirm entry-year availability and admissions criteria with the school or local authority.
Worth asking on a visit
How does the new inspection framework’s separate grading affect day-to-day teaching priorities? With 29 places currently spare, what is the typical process for securing a spot in the next entry year? How do the breakfast and after-school clubs integrate with the main curriculum?
What Ofsted said about John F Kennedy Primary School
Overview
The report describes a "welcoming and inclusive school" where pupils feel "valued and supported to succeed." While safeguarding, attendance, behaviour, and personal development meet the expected standard, the report identifies that pupils do not yet progress well enough through the curriculum as a whole, particularly in foundational literacy and wider subject sequencing.
Strengths
- Safeguarding standards are met, with an "open culture" where concerns are "actively identified, acted upon and managed."
- Attendance is improving due to "clear systems" and "personalised support," resulting in most pupils attending "regularly and on time."
- Behaviour is "calm and respectful," underpinned by "caring relationships" and a well-understood policy.
- Inclusion is "at the forefront," with effective support for pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities (SEND).
- Personal development is strong, with pupils enjoying "musical experiences," "forest school sessions," and a clear understanding of "British values."
Areas to improve
- Leaders must strengthen assessment systems so teachers "consistently check pupils' understanding" and adapt teaching to secure knowledge.
- Staff need to address "gaps in foundational knowledge," particularly in writing and handwriting, with greater consistency across the school.
- Curriculum design in wider subjects requires refinement to ensure learning is "well ordered and progressive" with clear endpoints.
Safeguarding
The report confirms that "safeguarding standards are met," noting that leaders have established an open culture where "pupils are made safer and feel safe."
Results over time
Expected standard (reading, writing, maths), the years we hold.
| Year | Expected standard (reading, writing, maths) |
|---|---|
| 2022/23 | 54% |
| 2023/24 | 73% |
| 2024/25 | 65% |
| England | 64% |
Source: DfE Explore Education Statistics. “England” is the median of the 14,326 state schools in England we hold a 2024/25 figure for — a school-level median, not the DfE's pupil-weighted national figure.
Your offer chance
—Based on official applications/offers, distance and catchment where we have it. Bands only — never a percentage.
Sibling, faith, looked-after and other criteria can override distance. Always confirm with the school or local authority.
Next dates
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2027
- Primary National Offer Day16 Apr 2027
- Primary (Reception) application deadline15 Jan 2028
- Primary National Offer Day17 Apr 2028
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