John Paul College (JPC) has once again been recognised as one of Australia's leading workplaces in education, receiving the prestigious 2026 Educator Employer of Choice award, marking the sixth consecutive year the College has achieved the accolade since 2021.

The national recognition celebrates schools that demonstrate excellence in workplace culture, leadership, employee wellbeing, professional growth and staff engagement across the education sector.

Principal Mr Craig Merritt said the recognition reflects JPC's unwavering commitment to creating a workplace culture where people feel genuinely valued, supported and empowered to thrive.

“This recognition is incredibly meaningful because it reflects the lived experience of our people," Mr Merritt said.

“At JPC, we believe exceptional schools are built by exceptional people. We are deeply committed to creating an environment where staff feel connected to purpose, supported in their growth and inspired to contribute meaningfully every day."

Located on a vibrant 33-hectare campus in Brisbane's south, John Paul College has built a reputation as a globally connected and future-focused learning community guided by its values of Mutual Respect, Integrity, Compassion and Excellence.​​​

​The College's employee experience strategy focuses on professional growth, wellbeing, leadership development and fostering a strong sense of belonging across all areas of the workforce.

JPC offers extensive staff development opportunities, including aspiring leadership pathways, graduate teacher mentoring, international exchange and cultural outbound programs, HALT and HAT accreditation support and contemporary pedagogy initiatives linked to both the Australian Curriculum and International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

The College also prioritises employee wellbeing through initiatives such as paid parental leave, complimentary gym access, flexible work arrangements where possible, discounted tuition fees for staff children, wellbeing programs and access to Employee Assistance services.

Mr Merritt said the award was particularly significant because it recognised the intentional culture the College has built over many years.

“We are proud to be a community where people are encouraged to grow professionally while also feeling genuinely known and cared for," he said.

“Our staff culture is highly collaborative, relational and values-led. People are empowered to contribute ideas, pursue leadership opportunities and make a difference both inside and beyond the classroom."

“Importantly, many of our staff choose to educate their own children at JPC, which speaks volumes about the trust they place in our community."

The College has continued to strengthen its employee value proposition in recent years, including benchmarking salaries above Education Queensland rates and introducing enhanced pathways for career progression and workforce wellbeing.

Mr Merritt said JPC remained focused on continuing to evolve as a leading independent school employer.

“The future of education depends on attracting, developing, and retaining outstanding people," he said.

“As a College, we remain committed to investing in our staff through innovative professional learning, wellbeing initiatives and future-focused workforce practices that enable our people to flourish."

“This recognition belongs to every member of our staff community whose passion, professionalism and care help shape the exceptional culture that exists at John Paul College."​

Read the full Special Report at The Educator website​

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