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.

"Thank you for putting us onto Jonathan - he’s been a perfect tutor for Coop - regardless of results.
I hope we will be able to have access to Jonathan again next year? He’s great.
Thanks for everything! All the best for the remainder of exam week!
Stella :)"

Cooper's mother Stella, November 2024
Year 12, Physics

"I would like to thank you very much, your professional service and Jackson's tuition have been fantastic, and has really made all the difference to Edie's stress levels (rather the lack of stress) and understanding of physics, and has been a huge boost to her confidence. She actually won the Excellence in Physics cup, and although she says that this is purely because she goes to a school where there is a very small class size and very little competition in the field, I have been assured by the staff that they don't give out the prize if there is not a deserving recipient! So please pass on our thanks to Jackson, as his tuition has been behind her success. That success and confidence has also contributed very much to her overall self-esteem, which is so important at this time of life!"

Edie’s mother Gretchen, November 2014
Year 13, Physics

"Somin is very happy with Joe and she says he is very good at teaching the way she needs to learn. This is much better for Somin than the other 2 tutors we had [elsewhere], who were too generally focused, but not on what she needed."

Somin’s guardian Vicki, August 2013
Year 11,
Accounting, Mathematics & Science

"Caitlyn has found [Yuxin's] teaching style and content to be excellent and she's more than happy with everything.  And the proof of the pudding is in her results - she's received an excellence in her mechanics assessment recently! 
The two of them are now looking at an electricity component of her physics. 
All is going well. Please let Yuxin know we are thrilled with his help and level of communication."

Caitlyn's mother Carole, July 2024
Year 12, Physics

“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

"Just wanted to say a big thank you to Laura for all her help with Ashleigh. She has finished all her English assignments and achieved with Merit. Ashleigh is thrilled as she was convinced she would fail English this year."

Ashleigh’s mother Jacqui, September 2013
Year 12 English

"I would like to take this opportunity to thank you SO much for all your help and support over the years – you have made an amazing difference to Alex and I know she would have struggled without you. I think it would be lovely to keep in touch – I know Alex will really like that.

Thank you again – for your fabulous help."

Alex’s mother Catherine, December 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Biology, Calculus, Chemistry & Physics

"Thank you so much for setting Scarlett's tuition up this year. She has found her sessions with Ciara so helpful - we've really appreciated her help.
Regards, Amanda"

Scarlett's mother Amanda, November 2025
Year 12 Chemistry & Mathematics

"Many thanks for the Molly’s input with Charlotte over these last few months. The tutoring has really made a different. I have certainly been telling colleagues about your service."

Charlotte’s mother Catherine, December 2013
Year 13 Calculus & Physics

“I think that without the tuition I received, I wouldn't have been able to get the grades that I did. For example, through tuition, I learned how to write NCEA answers in a concise way. This helped me to save time on the exam and gave me extra time at the end to re-check all of my answers.”

Ellen, January 2014
Year 13, Level 3 Biology, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics

"Robyn and I have no doubt that Bevan's help was essential.  I don't think Matthew ever reached "confident" but he did get back on top of the work and felt he did ok in the exams. Cambridge Maths at that level is tough obviously, Matt is smart and his class is full of smart boys, he tells us a significant number have fallen by the wayside blown away by the complexity and workload. We are grateful to Bevan for his patience, good humor and excellent tutoring."

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

“The most helpful thing about tutoring is I learnt different techniques that I wasn't taught in school and that helped me to remember how to do something. Before I used AHeadStart I was failing all my tests, but this year my results have changed so much and I ended up passing NCEA with 104 credits.”

Nicole, January 2014
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"And to let you know, I've have passed my chemistry exam!!!!! I only sat the exam yesterday, and results were out today. I'm extremely happy and relieved. Gabrielle has really brought back my enthusiasm for chemistry. She has been extremely helpful! Thanks again!"

Marjan, July 2014
Human Nutrition, Chemistry

"Matthew's feedback is that "Shyam seems to know what he is talking about and was helpful".
They were able to work together through only 5 of the 7 programming lab questions and all 5 were correct. Matthew attempted the remaining 2 questions on his own and got one wrong and one partially right.
Thanks so much for organising this tutoring for Matthew."

Matthew's mother Carol, February 2025
Ara Institute, Digital Technology

"Everything that Mel went over with me is so much clearer now. She went into detail to help me grasp the concepts I was struggling with. I felt a lot more confident going into my exams as a result of Mel's help. I am also fairly confident that my NCEA marks will have improved from my mock exams when I hadn't had any tuition from Mel."

Alice Christensen, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"Millie has really enjoyed having Michelle as her tutor and is feeling well prepared, thanks to the work that Michelle has done in going over questions/exam papers with her. Thanks again for organising her tutoring this year."

Millie’s mother Susan, October 2014
Year 11, Mathematics

"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

“Hi Melanie,

We could not be happier with the service you and Hayden have provided for both Ella and Jacob.

I have, and will continue, to highly recommend your service to others.

We wish you and yours, a safe, happy and restful holiday season!

Kind regards, Adele”

Ella’s and Jacob’s mother Adele, December 2016
Year 12 & Year 13, Mathematics & Physics

“I learnt techniques on how to approach complex calculus questions, exam tips but mostly I learnt the methods required for answering questions. Calculus went from being the subject I struggled the most in compared to others and only getting achieved in the internal to me receiving the award for the top Calculus student in my class, getting all prelim exams at merit and passing all of my external papers.”

Alex, January 2016
Year 13, Calculus

“Anna was brilliant and knew A LOT about physics. As she knows the NCEA system, she was able to help me plan out how I would answer a question and where to start, something I find particularly difficult in physics.
Something I find annoying at school is that in physics they don't tell you why a theory is the case, we are just expected to remember. Anna was able to explain why more than my teacher.”

Emma, January 2016
Year 13, Physics

“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

“Thanks so much for the learning support and can you please give Jeremy a massive thumbs up from Josh and I? He is the perfect tutor – turns up on time, is polite, focused, friendly to Josh and does a great job of teaching. Josh mentioned they covered a few topics in the Physics exam that he would not have passed if he didn’t have Jeremy’s help. We have been super happy with Jeremy.”

Josh’s mother Carne, November 2015
Year 12, Physics

“Robson has found the tutoring immensely helpful and Brooke both incredibly talented and supportive.

We will happily be recommending your company to others and haven been grateful for the overall professionalism.

Kind regards, Heather”

Robson’s mother Heather, November 2016
Year 11, English & Science

“Jonty is really pleased with his tutoring and says that he is learning 'lots'.  He seems quite motivated. Thanks for everything!"

Jonty’s mother Jill, November 2013
Year 11, 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

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.