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.

"Georgia really felt that Becky made a big difference. She feels sure that she has passed and hopefully even done better. I certainly appreciated the fact that you could quickly supply a tutor of Becky's calibre. I would recommend A Head Start to others in a similar position to Georgia."

Georgia’s mother Leanne, December 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Chemistry

“I couldn't speak more highly of AHeadStart and my tutors, they were so friendly, so helpful and they both truly wanted me to succeed in English and Mathematics by continually giving me every opportunity to improve and prepare. Even in English when I first started tutoring in Level 1 - I went from getting 'achieved' in internals to suddenly getting 'Excellences' for the rest of the year and for Level 2 I received all Excellences for all of my internals and passed all of my exams.”

Mikayla, January 2016
Year 12, English & Mathematics

"Indeg loved it! And thought Courtney was lovely! Indeg was so so nervous beforehand but was buzzing after!
Thank you"

Indeg's mother Sara, May 2024
Year 10, Cambridge English, Mathematics & Science

"If left to his own devices, I am not sure our son would have achieved such great results. Melanie provided great resources and tuition, and also helped him to believe that he could do it. "

Kieran’s mother Marian, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

“Sophie passed both calculus and physics and obtained merit in mechanics, which was a topic she struggled with. Thanks for the help! Sophie was very comfortable with Max.”

Sophie’s mother Tracy, January 2016
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

“Ben gained confidence in his ability to learn not just the required maths but some more challenging sums and instead of feeling overwhelmed doing any mathematics began to enjoy this subject, the first time in his whole life."

Ben’s mother Nikhola, January 2014
Year 11, Mathematics

"Thanks for checking in.  Ella said the first session went really well, and that Aimee was easy to talk to, and helpful.  
They went over Ella's mock exam paper which was really useful for Ella.
Thanks again."

Ella's father Regan, July 2025
Year 11 Mathematics and Science

“Thank you Melanie.

Alex found both James and Bridget very, very helpful. They made a real effort to get him enthusiastic about some of his tougher subjects again!!

Regards and thanks for the wonderful service you offer. :-)

Lois”

Alex’s mother Lois, November 2016
Year 13, Biology, Calculus, Chemistry & English

"Just wanted to say how thrilled we are with Caitlin's tuition. In addition to the skills and knowledge she has helped Josh acquire she has given him a lot more confidence. We are very grateful to Caitlin and the service you provide."

Josh’s mother Lynnette, October 2013
Year 12, Biology & Chemistry

"Vincent us very happy with Sophie. 

I would like to let you know that Vincent got a certificate on school today. He got certificate because his reading improved.

Thank you very much."

Vincent's mother Zsuzsanna, May 2025
Year 5, English

"I passed all my maths and science papers with achieveds and merits."

Kieran, January 2009
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics & Science

“Thanks so much Melanie. Mae's tutorial with Emma was a huge success. She said she learnt heaps!”

Mae’s mother Truus, October 2015
Year 12, Chemistry

“We wanted to let you know how much Olivia has enjoyed her tuition. Amelia has been a great match for her. Olivia has improved a lot over the time Amelia has tutored her to the point where her teacher at school has commented. Also she has made a significant improvement in her end of year maths tests and has gone up a stanine.

We really hope that Olivia can continue her tutoring with Amelia next year.”

Olivia’s mother Kerry, November 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

“Thanks to you and Sean for the very comprehensive report- we are so pleased with his progress.  George really likes Sean and responds well to his style of teaching.

George said to me yesterday that he now enjoys maths which is great and a big change from before beginning Sean's tutorials.”

George’s mother Justine, July 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

"Bruce is very happy with Antonio's tutorial. It's good to have someone got Es in his NCEA experience to teach him and give his advice. He thinks he's not only teaching, but giving him good advice to achieve Excellence level, which is beyond his expectation. Cheers."

Bruce's mother Carol, March 2024
Year 13, Statistics

"Felicity is loving her tutor lessons and getting alot from the sessions. 
We would love to continue next year when school is back."

Felicity's parents Antoinette and Mike, November 2024
Year 10, English & Mathematics

“I would recommend AHeadStart to anyone - the one-on-one approach really works well and has benefited my teenage children. It is money well spent.”

Lauren’s & Sam’s mother Erin, January 2014
Year 9 & Year 12, Mathematics

"I thought I would just flick you a short one to tell you that the lessons are great and going really well & Gemma is a fantastic tutor! Very patient and thorough, making sure I understand every step we go through. Thanks Briar (:"

Briar, May 2011
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics & Physics

"Nick has done extremely well. He failed his last Eco exams. This time he got excellent for one paper and merit for the other two!!! What an amazing improvement. Please pass this on to Sarah."

Nick’s mother Kim, November 2011
Year 11, Level 1 Economics

“Thank you for the tuition with Julia, she was struggling with chemistry at school and her teacher suggested she drop 2 papers this year, but she was determined to complete all papers she started successfully. She did still struggle at exams but as a result of your tuition did have a better grasp.”

Julia’s father Graham, December 2015
Year 13, Level 3 Chemistry

“I would just like to say thank you to Aaron and yourself for the wonderful tuition that Mathew has received. It is appreciated.”

Mathew’s mother Andrea, December 2016
Year 12, English

“Ross found the [Calculus] exam very difficult and he said everyone felt the same. He flew through differentiation but he said the rest was very tough. Nonetheless he believes he has passed. Hope so!!

Thanks to Max for all his help and patience with Ross throughout this year. Ross really enjoyed working with Max.”

Ross’ mother Jeanie, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus

"Rob has gained Uni entrance and also Level 3 too so we are totally thrilled... he is incredibly pleased. He gained 17 credits in biology and still avoided the DNA paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would you thank Adam for me please and let him know...and a huge thank you to you too..."

Rob’s mother Edwina, January 2011
Year 13, Level 3 Biology

“Ethan was very impressed with the first tutorial and thought Liam’s approach was great so positive start.”

Ethan’s father Brett, June 2016
Year 12, L3 Calculus & Physics

"Yea Sophie loved it. By the way, Maths is by far and away the toughest thing for Sophie. Prior to her tutoring Sophie's last exam resulted in an achieved. The good news is since getting Kelly's help, Sophie just received four excellence credits on her latest maths test. Please accept our heartfelt thanks to you and Kelly."

Sophie’s father Simon, June 2012
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

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.