Michael Black: Migrant families lead investment in tutoring for their children

Michael Black, founder and CEO of Success Tutoring, is urging Australian parents to take a proactive role in their children's education, warning that waiting until problems arise could mean missed opportunities that last a lifetime.

According to Black, children from migrant families make up the majority of students enrolled in tutoring across the country and the results speak volumes, not just in grades, but in confidence, friendships, opportunities and future career prospects.

"What we're seeing is an entire generation of children from migrant families excelling because their parents have made tutoring a non-negotiable part of life," Black said.

"The improvements in Math and English are remarkable, but what's just as powerful is how these skills open doors to selective schools, scholarships, leadership roles and a lifetime of greater opportunities."

Measurable results that change the course of a child's life

Success Tutoring's data shows that 97 percent of students improve their understanding, use and application of Math, and 97 percent also improve in reading, writing and spoken English. On average, 70 percent lift their overall school grades by at least one band within 12 months.

For many migrant families, these academic leaps translate into tangible opportunities, from gaining entry into highly competitive selective schools and winning scholarships, to earning spots in advanced classes that pave the way to university admission.

"We regularly have parents telling us that without tutoring, their child would not have made it into their selective school or won a scholarship," Black said.

"These are outcomes that change the trajectory of a young person's life, from the quality of education they receive to the network of peers they build."

The ripple effect: confidence, friendships, and better futures

Beyond the academics, tutoring is having a profound impact on children's self-esteem and social integration. Black said children who struggled with English language skills are not only catching up but thriving, able to contribute confidently in class, build new friendships and engage more actively in school life.

"When a child can understand and articulate their ideas clearly, everything changes," he said.

"They raise their hand more often, they start enjoying learning, they connect with classmates and they stop feeling left behind. That confidence carries into every aspect of their lives, from making friends to pursuing leadership roles in sports or student councils."

Setting up a lifetime of success

Black said the benefits extend far beyond the school years, setting children up for better career opportunities, higher job satisfaction and greater life choices.

"A strong foundation in Math and English isn't just about passing exams, it's the bedrock for everything from professional success to financial independence," he said.

"We see former students who've gone into medicine, engineering, law, and business who all say the extra support they received gave them the confidence and skills to aim higher and achieve more."

A model all parents can follow

Black believes that while migrant families have led the way in prioritising education, Australian-born families could achieve the same life-changing outcomes by adopting the same commitment.

"These families budget for tutoring because they know it's the best investment they'll ever make. It's about giving their children every possible advantage in a competitive world, academically, socially, and professionally," he said.

His advice to parents:

"Don't wait for the school to flag a problem. Start now, while your child is curious and open to learning. The sooner you begin, the sooner they'll reap the benefits in school, in friendships and in life."

About Success Tutoring

Founded by Michael Black in 2017, Success Tutoring is Australia's fastest growing education centre with multiple locations and a further 150 cities planned worldwide by 2026. The company offers weekly tutoring sessions in English and math for students aged five to 17, with a school readiness program for kids even younger, and selective school exam preparation tutoring also available. The Success Model not only empowers students to work at their own pace towards progress but also finds success in the social aspect of students coming together and working as a community of students to find motivation, inspiration and a lifelong love of learning.

https://successtutoring.com.au/