Resilience and Results: Meet Clare Canham, Australia’s Best Academic Personal Trainer

In the world of education, there are tutors who help with homework, and then there are Academic Personal Trainers (APTs) who transform lives. Clare Canham, based in our Canberra tutoring hub, is officially the latter. In 2025, Clare was not only awarded the Canberra Regional Award but was also crowned Australia’s Best Academic Personal Trainer.

This prestigious title is a testament to Clare’s meticulous planning, unwavering resilience, and her unique ability to build unshakeable confidence in her students. As a Bachelor of Political Science student at ANU, Clare brings a high-level strategic mindset to every session, ensuring her students don’t just pass, but excel.

The ‘APT of the Year’ Difference

What differentiates an average tutor from the best in the country? For Clare, it’s about moving beyond the textbook.

“Being an APT is about being a friend, tutor, and mentor all-in-one,” Clare explains. “I want to be part of their support system. Children know when you’re actually interested in what they have to say. I focus on building a genuine connection because that is where the growth begins.”

This philosophy has led to an incredible track record: 11 students with perfect attendance and a consistent stream of 5-star feedback from Canberra families.

Success Stories: From Anxiety to Achievement

Two recent Google reviews highlight the profound impact Clare is having on the Canberra community:

Leon Patsiatzis: “Clare is patient, kind, and really knows how to make learning engaging. We’ve noticed a huge improvement in confidence and look forward to the end-of-year results!”

Caitlin Butler (Student): “Clare explained things properly and worked with me until I understood. I could always see improvement in my work.”

For Caitlin, who struggled with severe anxiety and found attending school difficult, Clare’s relatable approach was game-changing. By sharing her own stories of academic setbacks—like failing an English assessment in Year 11—Clare teaches her students that failure is simply an opportunity to grow.

Meticulous Planning Meets Self-Reflection

Clare’s approach is characterised by what the awards committee called ‘meticulous planning’. Before her first session with a brand-new student, Clare dives deep into the Student Learning Assessment and previous school reports to understand their ‘approaches to learning’.

However, Clare’s ‘secret weapon’ is a technique she uses in every session: The Confidence Rating.

“I get my students to rate their own confidence and engagement levels,” Clare says. “It develops self-reflection—a vital habit for high school and beyond. When a student can look at their work and say, ‘I feel 9/10 confident today,’ that is more rewarding than any grade.”

A Forward-Looking Philosophy: Resilience for the Future

When asked what the most important skill for students will be over the next five years, Clare doesn’t hesitate: Resilience.

“I want my impact to be that students with anxiety realise they can achieve whatever they put their minds to,” says Clare. “All students deserve to feel that sense of belief in themselves.”

Are You Ready for the A Team Difference in Canberra?

Clare Canham is more than a tutor; she is a mentor who understands the unique pressures of the Canberra educational landscape. Whether your child is in Year 7 at the start of their journey or in the high-stakes environment of Year 12, Clare and our team of Canberra APTs are here to provide the strategy and support they need.

Experience Australia’s best tutoring for yourself. Contact A Team Tuition today to find an Academic Personal Trainer like Clare in your local area.