Each successful Enterprise Agreement in the independent sector doesn’t just deliver better outcomes for one school – it can set a new benchmark for others.

With every win, IEU members raise standards that can’t be ignored. Independent educators are keeping pace with, and in some cases exceeding, gains made in the government and Catholic sectors.

From salary increases and expanded parental leave to improved workload management and consultation rights, IEU members are demonstrating that collective bargaining delivers what matters most: improved pay and conditions, and respect for professional voice.

Best bargaining wins 2025

Best salary outcome

Kardinia International College School – 15% salary over a 3-year Agreement.

Best sign on bonus

Ruyton – $1000 pro-rata

Best CRT rates win

St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School – CRTs paid at Award Level 5.

Best Parental Leave outcome

St Leonard’s College – 18 weeks primary carer with 12 months superannuation, 4 weeks secondary carer and prenatal leave for both pregnant employee and partner.

Best delegates’ rights outcome

St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School – 3 days paid union training per year and paid time release for delegate duties.

Best camp allowance

St Leonard’s College - $200 per night, $300 over the weekend

Best camp TIL

St Mary’s Coptic Orthodox College – 1 day TIL for every 3 days on camp and Plenty Valley Christian College 1 day TIL or payment for the day for every 3 days on camp

Best Right to Disconnect

Lauriston Girls’ School – Enforceable clause ensuring no expectation to engage with work communications outside normal hours, except in emergencies.

Best Progressive Win

MLC – Revised gendered language throughout the EBA.

Best ‘Right to be Absent’ win

Teachers: Hume, St John’s, Plenty Valley Christian and Woodleigh – Confirmed entitlement for teachers to leave the school premises when not rostered or directed for duties, reinforcing professional autonomy and respect for personal time.
General Staff: Plenty Valley Christian – Secured the right for general staff to be absent from the workplace when not rostered or directed for specific duties, establishing fair and consistent treatment with teaching staff.

Best Family and Domestic Violence win

Newhaven, St Margaret’s Berwick Grammar School, Eastside Lutheran College, Hutchins and Firbank – 20 days.

Best Scope win

Gippsland Grammar – Inclusion of ELC employees, Melbourne Girls Grammar – inclusion of Boarding House employees.

Best Personal Leave Win

Strathcona Baptist Girls’ Grammar – Expanded personal and carers’ leave entitlements, including mental health and caring responsibilities, with greater flexibility in accessing leave.

Best ‘Flexi Day’ Leave Win

St Michael’s Grammar – 2 days flexi leave additional to Personal Leave.

Best LSL Win

Indie School – Access after 5 years.

Best Face-to-face hours reduction Win

Hume – 17 hours 20 mins Secondary and 18 hours 50 mins Primary by the end of the Agreement.

Best Position of Responsibility Win

Overnewton College – Transparent, tiered Position of Responsibility structure with defined allowance rates and review mechanisms, improving equity and recognition for teacher leadership roles.

Best Consultative Committee win

Kilvington and Hume – Excellent representation across the school and an extensive list staff can consult on.

Bargaining wins set the new industry standard in independent schools