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.

“I have nothing but praise for the way this business is run. From the first contact (with Melanie I think) she was friendly, helpful and informative.

The tutor was excellent. My son kept going back which is a start! Plus his exam results were great.

I am very happy and would definitely recommend to family/friends as a positive, friendly and stress free experience. Some businesses are in your face with email/phone contact to introduce you to more of their opportunities but I found AHeadStart had none of that. With our busy lives these days it's annoying having lots of emails or phone calls etc, this was not the case at all.

Thank you to Melanie and her team at AHeadStart.

All the best and regards
Chris Peckham.”

Blake’s mother Chris, January 2016
Year 13, Physics

"Please thank Jonathan from us. He has been a great tutor for Izzy.  A really good choice for her!! We are grateful for his kind teaching and his genuine understanding of her. He has had a big impact."

Izzy's mother Juliet, November 2025
Year 13 Calculus, Chemistry & Physics

"Mikayla absolutely adored Laura and James, they were both so amazing and helped her so much. I know they really had to work hard in getting Mikayla up to scratch and without their help she would not have been able to get through this year, so I am incredibly grateful for all their hard work and for your service that you offer!"

Mikayla’s mother Leeann, November 2014
Year 11, English & Mathematics

“Hi Melanie, tutorials have been going really well this term! I’ve found tutoring has been helping lots and Robert definitely knows what he’s talking about and can answer every question I have for him.”

Ruby, July 2014
Year 12, Biology & Mathematics

"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

“Tuition helped Harry as he felt confident to ask & discuss what he didn't understand in this one-on-one environment, whereas he wouldn't ask questions in a class setting. Harry passed Science NCEA. Previous to tuition he had failed his non-credit tests. Harry gained confidence in his ability and in asking for help and learnt to go over old papers and be more strategic with his study.”

Harry’s mother Judith, January 2016
Year 11, Science

"There are many things I understand better due to tuition. Firstly and most importantly, I found the most improvement in my electronics and magnetism test compared to the section of electronics and magnetism in the end of year exam (I got full marks in that section compared to the 65% I got in the unit test). I believe I struggled with it when I did the unit test but I found it far easier in the exam due to the tuition lessons I had been taking. Secondly I remember the huge improvement in geology. Geology was probably one of my weakest science subjects but due to tuition I actually started to enjoy it. I think that is because I actually didn't understand it properly before I started tuition. I learnt that you can really dislike a subject because you simply don't understand it but on the contrary, once you understand the principles, it could be very enjoyable. I also got good marks for that in the end of year exam."

Shalini, December 2008
Year 10, Mathematics & Science

"Thanks Melanie. Hamish did a great job. Rosa got top of her class for maths and science, and Carlos has appreciated the help too. We will be in touch next year with Rosa."

Rosa’s and Carlos’ mother Jackie, November 2014
Year 10 & Year 13, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

“Thanks so much for the wonderful service to Emerson- we have been very impressed. And Emerson really enjoyed being tutored by Jackson.”

Emerson’s mother Tracey, November 2015
Year 13, Biology & Chemistry

“Thanks Melanie. Mo has been a wonderful tutor to Dalton and Dalton has really come to like him. I have already asked Mo if he is still tutoring next year to assist Dalton again. Wishing you a happy Christmas and many thanks for all your help.”

Dalton’s mother Brigitte, November 2016
Year 11, Mathematics

"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

“Many thanks to both of you for your assistance with his Physics and Calculus, we have noticed a massive turn around in both his grades and also his attitude towards both subjects.”

Kyran’s mother Janine, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

“Just letting you know I passed both of my maths exams! So thanks for all the help – it paid off!”

Jane, January 2015
Year 13, Statistics

"Thanks so much Melanie.  Really appreciate all your support to ensure that Beau was able to access tutoring over the holidays. 
I will certainly be recommending you to my friends and colleagues, and calling on your services again to support my other children if the need arises.
Please thank Courtney for her wonderful work and patience with Beau."

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

"Yes, Alex came home buzzing. She really wants to do well in her exams later this year. Sadly for her, her results in the mock exams were disappointing.

So after her first English tutorial yesterday, she is already feeling a lot more confident and is a happier person. Many thanks for organising Paula."

Alex’s mother Cassandra, September 2013
Year 11, English

“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

“I have been very happy with the progress Henry has been making and finding the tutoring very beneficial for him. He seems to connect well with Jackson.”

Henry’s mother Tracey, September 2015
Year 10, English & Mathematics

"Thanks for your email. Yes [Markus] said it was good (high praise from a teen!)
He said Kopila was helpful so please pass on my thanks to her and we will see her next week."

Markus' mother Sarah, March 2024
Year 12, Biology and Physics

“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

“Our child learnt exam techniques and hoe to study efficiently. She gained Level 1 with Excellence.
With the direct one on one tutoring Issey was able to concentrate fully on areas she lacked confidence in and areas she needed to improve on.”

Isabella’s parents Simon & Robyn, January 2016
Year 11, English, Maths & Science

“I have been really impressed with the turnaround Jackson has achieved with Henry this year. He has done a fantastic job which I appreciate so very much. I hope that Jackson will be available again next year and Henry can continue tutorials with him.

I am very grateful for the service you provide as it has made a big difference for both Emma & Henry.”

Henry’s mother Tracey, November 2015
Year 10, English & Mathematics

“Jake gained a better understanding of the physics subjects he concentrated on and it supported him to a merit grade in a standard he was not sure he would pass!”

Jake’s mother, January 2016
Year 13, Physics

"Sarah has been wonderful for Nicole and so patient.  She has come a long way and has had a good attitude and self-belief which is showing in her work."

Nicole’s mother Alison, October 2013
Year 11 English, Mathematics & Science

"It’s great to hear how Logan is going and it sounds like he’s making solid progress. 
Logan used to ask me for help relatively regularly with English. This year he very rarely asks me for assistance, which I guess is a sign that he’s becoming more confident and comfortable in his writing ability. It’s so nice to see this.
Please pass on a big thank you to Olivia. Logan is learning a lot from her and always comes home motivated and happy after his tutorials."

Logan's mother Geraldine, August 2024
Year 11, English

“Bridget had really valued her sessions with Amelia and found them to be a great help. Amelia was very easy to work with."

Bridget’s mother Sarah, September 2015
Year 11, Chemistry, Physics & 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.