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.

“We have been very pleased with the effort Blake and Lethan have put in for Matt. Both he, Pete and I appreciate their efforts very much.”

Matt’s mother Cate, December 2015
Year 13, Level 3 English, Geography, History

"Thanks so much for all your help with Grace. She has come a long way and is really enjoying maths and physics now as she is feeling so much more confident about her understanding and performance in these subjects. We were very proud for her with her physics result and I spoke with her calculus teacher at parent-teacher on Thursday night who was delighted that Grace is resitting calculus. Grace is now in a very different place thanks to your input."

Grace’s mother Suzanne, May 2013
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

"The session went really well thanks. Molly said Cameron was great answering her questions and that he communicated really well the answers. She said it was very helpful"

Molly’s mother Pip, September 2014
Year 12, English

“Ben was nervous initially. Afterwards he said it was really good and he felt relieved and a little bit excited that he finally understood it.”

Ben’s mother Sarah, October 2015
Year 11, Science

“Josh did enjoy and found the tutorials very helpful from Blake, Max and Hugh.  Next year he will decide which scholarship subjects to take.  He will be wanting assistance with tutorials in 2016 and I will get in touch with you with his requirements as soon as I can.”

Josh’s mother Cate, December 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Accounting, Economics, English & Mathematics

“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

"Just wanted to say that Daniel has been excellent for Tom, and that Tom also appreciates his “style”! They seem to have an excellent rapport going, and while Daniel is certainly a bit introverted, they are communicating very well."

Tom’s father Steve, May 2013
Year 13, Calculus

"I hope Bevan passed message on that Matt made a huge improvement in Cambridge maths mid yr exam. 68%! He’s feeling good about it!"

Matt’s mother Robyn, June 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“We would like to thank you and Jackson for the tuition provided over the last 2 years. You have provided a well organised, friendly and cost effective service and Jackson has been amazing with how well he works with Luke.

Regards, Glenda O'Neill”

Luke’s mother Glenda, October 2016
Year 13 Biology, Chemistry & Physics

"Scott seems quite happy with the exams so far. I am very appreciative of the skills and abilities of the tutors as Scott has certainly become more confident in the knowledge that he does know things. Both Helena and Kirsten have helped greatly in developing his skills and techniques in both subjects.

I don’t know how children get on who don’t get tutoring, especially when the lack of knowledge comes down to the teacher that the student currently has. I firmly believe that Scott would probably have struggled to get an achieved in both subjects if we hadn’t approached you.

Please pass on our thanks and best wishes to Helena and Kirsten."

Scott’s parents Susan & Bruce, November 2014
Year 11, English & Mathematics

"We understand Louie is available again next year, so we’ll be in touch when the new school year commences in the new year.
We really appreciate Louie’s help throughout the year."

Hugo's mother Ali, November 2024
Year 11, Economics, English & History

“Trent was very happy with both tutors. He told me he learnt more about economics in 1 hour than half a year.”

Trent’s father Chris, September 2016
Year 11, Economics, English, Mathematics & Science

"[I] have asked Gemma how her tutorial was and she said their session was good. They thought Helena was very smart (!) and she was able to help them understand their class work. All good for next Monday again."

Gemma’s mother Kathy, August 2014
Year 10, Mathematics

"Bernadette got excellence on the recent tables and graphs formative and like Holly the tuition is invaluable for confidence. We are really pleased overall. We believe that tuition is essential because there seems to be big holes in the learning at school."

Holly’s and Bernadette’s mother Mary, July 2013
Year 11 & Year 12, Mathematics & Science

"We found Caitlin excellent as tutor, Rebecca reports that she was very knowledgeable about the material and even lent her a text book for study. Rebecca related well to Caitlin and enjoyed her sessions. We are very grateful for having found your service, as I believe correspondence on its own would have been sadly lacking – I think there is definitely room for some improvement in their resources and methods of instruction, the assigned teacher at the school was pleasant but Rebecca had little contact outside of brief written comments on her work papers."

Rebecca’s mother Noreen, November 2011
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

"We are so pleased with the tutorials he has received over the  last year helping with his confidence and preparation for the exams. He did well in his mocks - they helped to highlight areas he needs to work in for his finals- but he was very pleased with his achievements in English and Physics."

Tom's mother Katharine, October 2025
Year 12 English & Physics

“Both got a lot out of their tuition, so thank you very much for being able to organise it at such short notice. Hopefully it shows in their exam results! At least they felt more confident going into their exams.

Cheers, Tracey”

Natalie’s and Kimberley’s mother Tracey, December 2016
Year 11 & Year 13, English

"Charlotte found her first lesson with Louie invaluable to help get her on the right path. Please thank him, we so appreciate the support for her.
She is looking forward to the next session on Tuesday."

Charlotte's mother Jayne, March 2026
1st Year Law

"Charlie thought Finlay was really helpful, and made things easier to understand. So things are looking good for moving forward. Thanks for making a good match!"

Charlie's mother Helen, June 2026
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

"Hi Melanie, just thought I’d let you know how I went. I passed my exam which is great so I get to continue onto biochem now. Thank you so much for all your help!"

Olivia, July 2015
Human Nutrition, Chemistry

"Wow, this is a great report.  I really appreciate the specifics of his learning progress and areas of need.
Superb work ladies.  
Courtney, I have been super impressed with the way you have worked with Beau.  Like many teenage boys, he is not always the best communicator.  A huge indicator of your success is that Beau hasn't moaned once about going to so many lessons in the holidays, and other than forgetting his homework a couple of times due to early shifts at work, he is perfectly happy to complete his homework tasks too.  Thank you so much for all the work you put in to helping him rebuild his confidence as a mathematician."

Beau's mother Kelly, January 2025
Year 11, Mathematics

"Thank you for your service and a huge thanks to Aarya. She has been amazing for Blake."

Blake's mother Kirstine, November 2024
Year 13, Calculus

“Grace came out buzzing from her first session with Kyle, the 1-1 format really works for her and she was very happy. She walked in the door and went straight to her room to start some of her homework for the week!! So we are very happy thank you. I think this is going to be really beneficial for her so thanks again :-)”

Grace’s mother Pam, August 2015
Year 11, Mathematics

“Kate is finding the two sessions she has already had with Aaron to be very helpful so that is great, especially at this late stage in the year.”

Kate’s mother Marie, November 2015
Year 13, Statistics

“Lucie was struggling with minimal help at school, and would have got achieved at best with chem, but after tutoring got merit.
Lucie had a huge amount of extracurricular responsibility, and missed a lot of class time. Caitlin was very clear on re capping and making sure Lucie was absolutely certain in her answers."

Lucie’s mother Deb, January 2014
Year 13, Chemistry

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.