It opened in 1967 and has a current student population of approximately 1,100, aged 11 to 18.

[2] The school's motto is Pacem in terris (peace on Earth).

[4] The building project includes:[5] The school has minimised the impact on the local environment by avoiding significant loss of trees.

[6] Previously a voluntary aided school administered by Hertfordshire County Council,[7] in June 2023 John F Kennedy Catholic School converted to academy status.

The school gained Technology College status in 1998,[10] has received Ofsted inspection reports describing it as "outstanding",[3] and appeared on Ofsted's "honours list".