Call us today: 021 156 9281

 

Melanie Coker small.jpg"Hi, I'm Melanie Coker, the  founder and director of AHeadStart Ltd. Tutoring from AHeadStart provides students with the tools to achieve their best, no matter what level they are at.

Starting from five tutors in 2009, AHeadStart now has more than 40 tutors in Christchurch. Over 4,000 students have so far benefitted from our tuition. So many have gone on to achieve degrees they would never have believed possible while at school. Tuition with AHeadStart has opened their minds to the possibilities, altered their dreams for the better and ultimately changed their lives.

I will personally guide each student through the start of their tutoring journey, and make sure they have the best tutor to suit their needs. I give you my personal guarantee."

 

Why AHeadStart Tuition?

  • Personalised one-on-one tutoring in Christchurch - one-on-one or in small groups
  • Convenient Christchurch locations - in person at a local library or in your own home
  • Tuition for all levels - primary (literacy and numeracy), secondary (NCEA, Cambridge and IB) and adult students
  • Expert tutors - high achieving, excellent communicators with a passion for learning
  • Multiple subjects - our tutors can assist students with several subjects within each tutorial
  • Choice of tuition plans - select your desired level of guidance, including progress reports
  • Online tutoring - available all across New Zealand
  • Great value - from $63 per hour for a one-on-one tutorial in person
  • Payment options - pay per tutorial, or in bulk for a 10% discount
  • No fixed term - choose how many tutorials you need to achieve your goals

Contact us for a FREE consultation

 

PERSONALISED ONE-ON-ONE TUITION

Individually customised tutorials match each student's own unique needs

Personalised


Our initial assessment and tailored lessons allows students to be taught more effectively, in a way that meets their own specific requirements.

One-on-one


Individual tuition benefits students as they focus better, increase their confidence and learn more.
 

Expert Tutors


We guide students in their studies and help them develop better study skills, so they perform their best in exams and assessments.

“Thanks Melanie. Jack found Liam incredibly helpful. He got an excellence for the last internal so fingers crossed today. Jack also said his physics exam went well.”

Jack’s mother Tracey, November 2015
Year 12, Chemistry & Physics

“Hello Melanie,

Thanks to you & Amelia for all your help with Neve. Her Chemistry & Physics have improved dramatically! Neve walked into the exam on Monday with confidence and is proud of her achievements and hard work. She really enjoyed going to tutoring with Amelia as she made it easy to understand and helped build her confidence in the subject.

Neve's looking at Year 12 Biology next year so will be keen to continue with AHeadStart in the new year.

Thanks again.

Cheers Shirene :)”

Neve’s mother Shirene, November 2016
Year 11, Science

"The feedback which I have received from my student has been extremely positive. He had Jason as a Maths Teacher, and I know that the one on one tution made all the difference to the confidence of my student. I would definitely recommend the agency they are easy to contact and very helpful. He will be using the services of your agency again in 2010. I am the guardian of this young man, and I know that from his comments he is extremely satisfied."

Paht’s guardian Margaret, December 2009
Year 12 Mathematics

"Our daughter gained invaluable help from her AHeadStart tutors. After each lesson she came away feeling energised by the learning that she had done and she looked forward to the next lesson. She went into her final exams feeling confident that she had the knowledge to pass them."

Rachel’s mother Elizabeth, December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Chemistry, Physics & Statistics

"I have seen my results online and all I can tell you is that Chemistry and Calculus were the best results I had of all!! And that was my mum and dad said too..."

Donia Hend, January 2009
Year 13, Level 2 Chemistry & Calculus

"Holly is enjoying her maths lessons with James and has found them really helpful, she got a merit pass for her last internal which was a fantastic result. Having the extra help has helped her confidence so that she has a better attitude to maths."

Holly’s mother Bernadette, July 2013
Year 11, Mathematics

“Jake had a very positive opinion of his first tutorial. He did say that he liked the way Hayden explained things and they seemed to have a good rapport.

Thank you very much for your assistance and we are very confident that this arrangement will be very beneficial for Jake.”

Jacob’s mother Adele, April 2016
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

“The most helpful thing about tutoring is when I don't get something my tutor will explain it in another way until I understand it. It is also useful to be able to ask as many questions as you want to.

In chemistry I found it really useful to be able to have someone explain directly a concept I didn't understand in class. I enjoyed eventually feeling confident with chemistry!”

Laura, January 2014
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry & Mathematics

"We are very impressed by Joran and appreciate the effort he is putting into working with Isaac.
A great thorough report.
We are pleased to be continuing with his tutoring."

Isaac's mother Rebecca, August 2025
Year 12 Digital Technology

“We are very happy with [Henry’s tuition] so far. Henry is keen and seems to be completing the work that is set for him by Aaron with no fuss or extra reminders. This is HUGE for Henry.”

Henry’s mother Stephanie, August 2015
Year 11, English

"Thank you so much for the Progress Report. We are really pleased with Blake and the progress Spike is making. It’s been excellent timing for him at school to keep up with the work and make him aware of looking into the future."

Spike’s mother Di, October 2013
Year 11, English

“Thank you so much for teaching me this year. I have especially really appreciated you giving up your time in the last week to fit in the extra lessons. It has really helped to have someone guide me through NCEA 2. I’m looking forward to Calculus and Chemistry next year. Thank you again.”

Emma, November 2012
Year 12, Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"Thank you very much for tutoring me the last few terms. It has helped me a lot."

Bec, November 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Biology

“The day I spoke to Melanie and set up tutoring for my daughter for Maths and English was the best decision we had made. Even though going through a tutoring service costs, it truly was worth every cent we paid.

We saw our daughter go from struggling and frustrated to confidently understanding what she was doing which in return achieved her passing Level 1 and Level 2 with absolute ease. Not only did she pass with more than enough credits she passed English both years with a Merit Endorsement.

Our aim was for our daughter to pass and achieve marks that she would be proud of and with the help of the amazing tutors that she had she accomplished all that she wanted to. Thank you AHeadStart for all of the services you offer, I would highly recommend this service to anyone!!”

Mikayla’s mother Leeann, January 2016
Year 12, English & Mathematics

“Hi Melanie,

Ryan got his student pack, which we looked through together when he got home and I saw the letter then.

Ryan enjoyed his first lesson with Hayden. He wanted to talk about and discuss the things Hayden had taught him! Ryan said he likes Hayden’s teaching method.

Hayden speaking clearly and talking directly to him made it easier for Ryan to understand. Ryan talked about his teachers at school and he said one of his teachers talks quietly and mumbles a lot which makes it difficult for children in the class to understand him.

I think Hayden will help with Ryan’s confidence to ask more questions at school.

So I must say, it has been a very positive start and Ryan is looking forward to his next lesson.

Thanking you, Kerrie”

Ryan’s mother Kerrie, August 2016
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

“WOOOPPP I got excellence for Bio!!! :O

Woooppp, thank-you for your help!

Anna.”

Anna, June 2016
Year 13, Biology

"I am so happy to have had Paula working with Abbie today, she is awesome!  She had the session well worked out and kept Abbie involved and interested.

As you know I have been worried that Abbie is missing out on some basic foundation steps in maths and spelling.  I now feel reenergized (how's MY spelling?) to work with Abbie myself through the week following Paula’s' lead on the Wednesday.

So many thanks."

Abbie’s mother Pam, May 2013
Year 3, English & Mathematics

"Sefton said she was great. He also said with a grin that she was “hot” so either that may distract him or motivate him, hopefully the latter. He told me has done the homework that she set for him already."

Sefton’s mother Kathy, August 2013
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

"Neisha was very pleased with how the lesson went.  She has had a great week at school this week and has done very well in two of her science tests.  The confidence this has given her already is incredible. Thank you very much."

Neisha’s mother Nicola, July 2014
Year 10, Mathematics & Science

“Ruby wanted to achieve a good result in accounting as she was struggling with low achieved or not achieved scores.
In her NCEA Lvl 1 externals she got 2 merits and 1 excellence. Joe was amazing and in 10 weeks she learnt more than a whole year in the class room.

Her maths was always good but needed help with the end of year subject. She achieved Merits and got Maths Lvl 1 endorsed in Merit."

Ruby’s mother Keryn, January 2014
Year 11, Accounting & Mathematics

“A few years ago we tried Kip McGrath. AHeadStart leaves Kip McGrath for dead.”

Sarah’s mother Linda, January 2016
Year 10, Mathematics

"Briar was totally chuffed at her results and deservedly so. But the key for me was that it confirmed for her that she was quite capable of working through and understanding her maths, even though she had convinced herself that this was not possible. It seems to be a real issue for maths that so many students think that they are totally unable to comprehend the principles - you either like maths or you hate it and there seems to be no grey area in-between. So the credit really goes to you Melanie for getting Briar over that "useless at maths" label and giving her the chance to succeed - and she did so well! You have a great intuition for understanding how best to explain the subject."

Briar’s mother Cathie, January 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

“Thanks Mel,

The only feedback I have is that Josh told me yesterday “if Max tutored me every day I would be a genius!”

Cheers, Cate.”

Josh’s mother Cate, June 2016
Year 13, Calculus

“Tried Kip McGrath at intermediate age. 1 on 1 far better and with tutors who have recently completed NCEA. Age difference small which for a teenage boy meant good rapport with tutor.”

Jayden’s mother Lisa, January 2016
Year 12, Mathematics

"Laura and Tania seemed to get along very well. Looking forward to seeing her next Tuesday!
It's a relief not to have the stress of trying to tutor Laura myself."

Laura's mother Abbey, June 2025
Year 12 Mathematics & Physics

TUITION FOR ALL LEVELS

Tutorials are available for primary, secondary and adult students

PRIMARY STUDENTS

Your child may require help to catch up in reading, writing or maths, gain confidence and build a strong foundation.

Or they may want extension in their favourite subject, or one not covered much at primary school, such as science or coding.

Whatever your child's goals, our primary school tutors will guide your child through every tutorial through regular assessment and lots of encouragement!

More About Primary Tuition >

SECONDARY STUDENTS

Secondary school can be a stressful time for students, especially with regular NCEA assessments throughout the year. Fitting study in around sports and other extracurricular activities can also be challenging.

Whether a student wants to gain enough credits to pass the year, or is aiming for a Merit or Excellence endorsement, our tutors can assist to make that goal a reality. And of course we can also help with Cambridge and International Baccalaureate.
 

 
More About Secondary Tuition >

ADULT STUDENTS

As an adult student it can often be difficult getting back into study, as it may have been years since you opened a text book. You may also be tacking an unfamiliar subject such as mathematics or science.

On top of this you may be studying part time or extramurally, so it may a challenge to fit study around your daily life. Our tutors can help you streamline the learning process, so you can get through your studies with confidence!
 

More About Adult Tuition >

MULTIPLE SUBJECTS

Our tutors can assist students with many subjects in each tutorial

  1. AHeadStart can assist students with 30 different subjects - Maths, English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Science and Accounting tutoring, are just a small selection.
  2. Most AHeadStart tutors have strengths in multiple NCEA, Cambridge and International Baccalaureate® (IB) subjects, even including subjects as diverse as English, Mathematics & Science!
  3. Flexibility of tutorial structure means students can choose which subjects the cover in a lesson. This means tutors can prepare students as best as possible before each school assessment.
  4. Students benefit by having one tutor to cover several subjects and make the most out of every tutorial.

 

 

Accounting

Secondary & Adult Tuition

English

Primary, Secondary & Adult Tuition

Mathematics

Primary, Secondary & Adult Tuition

Science

Primary, Secondary & Adult Tuition

OUR NUMBERS SAY IT ALL

Students

3,659+

 

Students have chosen AHeadStart

Tutors

40+

 

AHeadStart tutors to choose

Hours

60,702+

 

Hours of tuition provided

EXPERT TUTORS

Students choose their own tutor from a selection to match their specific needs

  1. Our team of Christchurch tutors are high achievers, excellent communicators and passionate about sharing their knowledge.
  2. Every tutor has personal experience of NCEA, Cambridge or IB at secondary school, and know what it takes to achieve success. Many tutors were Dux or Proxime Accessit, or involved in leadership positions such as Head Boy or Head Girl.
  3. Our tutors are selected via a very thorough interview process. All tutors are screened by the NZ Police prior to being placed with students.

 

TUITION PLANS

Students select a tuition plan to match their goals and level of motivation

ONE-ON-ONE TUITION

PLATINUM PLAN

For students who lack motivation and need guidance with their studies. Includes weekly homework and progress reports every 5 tutorials.

More Details

GOLD PLAN

For self-motivated students who take charge of their own learning and have questions about their school work.
 

More Details

GROUP TUITION

SILVER PLAN

For self-motivated students wanting personalised tuition in pairs.

Students need to have a sibling or friend they would like to have tuition with before choosing this plan.

More Details

GROUP PLAN

For self-motivated students who would like tuition in a small group.

Students need to have two siblings or friends they would like to have tuition with before choosing this plan.

More Details

TUITION FREQUENCY

Students choose how often they would like to see their tutor to match their needs

WEEKLY
 

  • Students have a regular weekly tutorial (or more) during the school terms.
  • Suits students who want consistent help throughout the year to stay on top of their schoolwork.

 

CASUAL
 

  • Students schedule tutorials as required, with no ongoing commitment.
  • Suits students who need help for a short period to catch up on missed work or assistance before assessments.
     

 

 

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION

Tuition at a local library or in your own home

Libraries

15+

Libraries where
AHeadStart has tutorials

Suburbs

70+

Suburbs where students
can be tutored at home

CONVENIENT LOCATIONS

A range of locations to suit your needs

  

City Libraries


Christchurch Public Libraries and the University of Canterbury provide a studious environment and inspire students to use these spaces in their own learning time.

We Can Come To You


Home tuition is available in Christchurch for those with busy schedules and offers a familiar, safe environment for the student to learn.