Contact Michael
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Verified mobile
Reviews
Rate
$150 per hour
Services
- One-to-one tuition
- Home visits
- Online help
- In person
Subjects
About
Hello, my name is Michael. I am a fully qualified English and History teacher with over 14 years of classroom experience. In my current role as Head of English (K–12), I lead curriculum and teaching across all stages, which has given me a comprehensive understanding of the NESA syllabus, recent curriculum reforms, and the academic demands students face.
I provide specialised tutoring in:
English: Standard, Advanced, and Extension
History: Ancient, Modern, and Extension
My sessions are tailored to each student’s needs and focus on explicit teaching, clear scaffolding, and constructive feedback. Whether preparing for assessments, building exam strategies, or strengthening writing skills, my aim is to help students grow in both knowledge and confidence.
Why families recommend my tutoring:
Proven impact: Numerous positive reviews from parents highlight not only improved results but also greater confidence and independence in their children.
Depth of experience: 14+ years of teaching and leadership, with success across a wide range of texts and topics.
Curriculum insight: Up-to-date expertise in NESA syllabus changes and assessment standards.
Focused support: Guidance with essay writing, question analysis, and exam preparation.
Holistic growth: Lessons that encourage critical thinking, resilience, and long-term academic success.
Parents often describe my tutoring as a “turning point” for their children, not only lifting grades, but also transforming the way students approach English and History.
If you are seeking professional, personalised support from an experienced teacher, I would be glad to work with you.
Education
I have attained a number of degrees as well as postgraduate certificates from an array of institutions. - BA majoring in English and History - Masters in Secondary Education. - Graduate Diploma in Educational Leadership
Interests
- Football coaching
- Traveling
- Board games
- Reading
Reviews
Four prior tutors were unable to spark an interest for English with our year 12 son - until Michael. His patience, deep understanding of the curriculum and experience in exam technique have been transformational. Truly excellent.
Gary on 13th October 2025
Our family has been truly blessed to have Michael tutor our son Matthew. We cannot be happier with Michael's outstanding level of professionalism and ability to help our son reach his full potential.
Michael's ability to connect and bring out the best in our son is most appreciated because not only does he share his wealth of knowledge and experience, but he does it in such a way that keeps our son interested and willing to learn.
We feel so comfortable and safe when he is at our place tutoring. When Michael comes into our home, he is always very respectful and polite. When he leaves our home, we are left feeling a sense of relief knowing that he has really helped our son.
As parents, peace of mind is everything and it is so refreshing to get that peace of mind knowing that our son has benefited from Michael's great knowledge and valuable experience.
Thank you Miachael, please keep doing what you do because you are so BRILLIANT at it!
Paula Elazzi on 11th October 2025
When my son started Year 11, he requested English tutoring. I was very happy to support his education with tutoring but found it very difficult to find an appropriate tutor. Yes, I could easily have found a "clever uni student" with an ATAR of 99+ BUT just because someone got a good ATAR doesn't mean they can teach. Therein lay my problem...
We were very fortunate to find Michael. Not only is he a "real teacher", he can teach! Michael is very responsive to my son's needs. He is patient, knowledgeable, approachable and really nice. He is always on time and always wiling to be contacted outside of the session times.
The tutoring was going so well we increased it to twice a week for Yr 12. I didn't need a "clever uni student", I already have a "clever kid". What I needed was a "clever teacher" and in Michael, I got one. I would happily recommend Michael's tutoring skills to anyone who wants a "real teacher". You won't regret your decision.
Colleen Sweeney on 11th October 2025
Michael is a dedicated and patient English tutor. We found him six weeks out from our son’s HSC Trials, and in that short time, he made a remarkable difference. Our son achieved 18/20 for one of his essays — a huge improvement considering he had never scored above 14 before.
Michael’s lessons were always well-prepared and structured. He provided detailed feedback on areas for improvement and kept our son engaged and motivated throughout each session.
He is reliable, great value for money, and always quick to respond to any queries via text. Thank you so much, Michael — your support made all the difference!
Leanne White on 11th October 2025
Michael has been our sons tutor for the past year and the first thing to say is the decision to use Michael has been very successful, evidenced by the obvious attitude change by our son towards his schoolwork and the positive feedback in his most recent assignment received directly from his teacher.
Michael has been an excellent foil for our son, in tune with the needs of a teenager and adaptable to the style required to elicit the best without taking the easy option of doing the work for him, this has been a massive part in his progression, not accepting minimal output, but making him repeat and unlock his obvious ability of which he has not always been able to translate effectively to paper, he teaches effective structure and ordering of ideas to obtain the best results.
I would have no hesitation in recommending Michael as the proof of his teaching method and style has been evidenced in the upward trajectory in our sons results which is exactly what we were looking for leading into next year’s HSC.
Jason Logan on 10th August 2025
Michael Cunningham has been tutoring our 17 year old in Year 11 Advanced English for approx. 6 months now and the impact he has made in that time has been dramatic.
If we were to name two specific areas that Michael's impact has shown the greatest results, they would be:
1) his confidence, and
2) his academic results.
Our son's confidence in English rose immediately and I have no doubt that Michael's warmth disposition and exceedingly deep knowledge lifted my son's confidence in knowing he was being tutored by someone reliable, who cared, is relatable, has great structure, set expectations, and was both patient and understanding. Naturally, with confidence comes improvement, and our son's results lifted dramatically. This improvement most definitely stemmed from Michael's passion for the subject, patient nature, knowledge, and perhaps most importantly, his ability to impart his knowledge.
We would highly recommend Michael Cunningham as an excellent tutor.
Marco Russo on 31st July 2025
We are very grateful to have found Michael! He is very positive, encouraging, and resourceful. He helped bringing my son's confidence up for his exams. We originally got Micheal to help on my son's History only and now he is helping my Y12 son in both Eng and History as well as my Y11 son in Eng!
Highly recommend Michael if you need help in Eng and History!
Rebecca Choi on 25th July 2025
Micheal helped my daughter progress from a ranking of 46 to 1st in Advanced English. He is professional, punctual, relatable, but most importantly a very good teacher who knows the syllabus and how to improve the students grades. We are very grateful we found him on this site and would highly recommend him to anyone and everyone!!!
Feryal Trofa on 24th July 2025
Michael C is a wonderful person to deal with. Highly communicative, very experienced, knowledgeable and organised. He has taken a genuine interest in our son's journey through year 12 and his support and commitment are deeply valued. We could not have found a better English tutor.
Michael H on 18th July 2025
Words are not enough to express how grateful and fortunate I feel to have Michael guide, inspire, support and teach my children. He is kind and patient and offers much knowledge and experience. The best!
Julie Mifsud on 18th July 2024
Michael is an absolutely amazing tutor. He comes to each session with my daughter very well prepared and ready to assist my daughter with her Year 12 English studies. So glad we found Michael as a tutor. Highly recommended !
Katrina on 17th July 2024
We chose Michael to tutor our child with HSC subjects English Advanced and Modern History, based on other reviews and that he is a professional teacher. We are so glad we did as Michael has both extensive experience and is also able to make a connection and relate to a 17 year old. We have seen improved confidence and results in a short space of time. We would highly recommend Michael as a tutor, teacher and great support and care for his students.
Maureen Winn on 17th July 2024
Michael has been tutoring our high school son in English for over 2.5 years. Michael is one fine teacher/tutor. Our son’s grades have improved drastically since under the guidance and mentorship of Michael. Michael’s knowledge of the NSW English curriculum is outstanding and we feel so blessed that our son has him as his tutor.
Kat F on 30th May 2024
Michael has been tutoring my daughter since the beginning of this year. He is an extremely knowledgeable tutor with a real passion for teaching. He has helped my daughter immensely and I I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to others.
Antonella S. on 28th May 2024
Michael started tutoring our Year 11 daughter this year. She has always been more Maths focused and has never been overly confident with English.
She loves her tutoring sessions with Michael and after just receiving her school report, it’s obvious that he has made a substantial difference to her skills and confidence which is clearly reflected in her results. The improvement is remarkable and we are so thankful.
Kate Roberts on 27th May 2024
I highly recommend Michael as an English tutor. My son’s previous tutor did not have much of an impact, however, since switching to Michael, he has improved his grades and focus. Michael is always punctual, communicates well, has an in-depth knowledge of the curriculum and has been able to get the best out of my son.
Asfandiar on 26th May 2024
Michael tutors my daughter, who is currently in Year 11. He is very professional in his teaching methods and goes the extra mile to assist, especially when it comes to assessment time. Coming from a teaching background, he is content focused and he simplifies subject learning and instills confidence in my daughter to excel and do even better. I cannot recommend him highly enough.
Leonie Gittani on 26th May 2024
In the short time that Michael has worked with my son who is studying Advanced English for the HSC, I have noticed a much calmer, confident student. He has improved my son's skills, improved his content knowledge and has definitely made him more prepared for assessments. Michael's great knowledge and delivery of the curriculum has been a great assistance to my son, especially with the tasks he sets to help improve technique and responses. Thank you Michael for you hard work and dedication. I have no hesitation in recommending him to others.
Jackie M on 26th May 2024
Michael has been tutoring my year 11 daughter in modern history for a term. He has made an amazing difference to her understanding of the content as well as what is required when answering questions. His approach, which my daughter tells me includes humour, also helps her remember the content. I highly recommend Michael as a tutor.
Jenny H on 26th May 2024
Michael has been of tremendous assistance to my eldest daughter over the last 6 months. She's in year 11 and English is that subject which is paramount for an abundance of other topics when expressing words. His guidance, knowledge and diligence to articulate has been nothing but positive for my daughters progression which has become highly apparent in recent months. I guess the true value is not only depicted in her forward thinking however when asking you're child "what do you think of Michael" and she responds "he's a Rock Star" then fair to say we found the right yet gentle chap to assist her in propelling going forward. We'll certainly be maintaining continuity with him until she finishes year 12. Get on board the Michal C train, a true gentlemen with a willingness and desire to assist our beautiful growing children.
Harry Georgoulas on 26th May 2024
Michael is an exceptional tutor who is both qualified and experienced in the education field. Michael takes the time to individualise content and resources to suit student needs as well as considering unique learning styles. Michael is a rare find amongst the hundreds of profiles on this platform and any student under his tutelage will benefit greatly.
Reece on 26th May 2024
Character references
Availability
Around Ermington
Around West Ryde
Around Pennant Hills
Travel policy
Happy to travel to a local library as well. I might also be able to work out after school times throughout the week; therefore, please ask.