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 so impressed with the very tailored guidance that Olivia had given Logan this year. He has, and continues to learn a lot from her."

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

"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

“Good evening Melanie,

Things went really well. He was very good at explaining things. It was a massive help. I will be putting the time in on study at my end now and hope it sticks. 

I will be in touch soon to arrange another session.

Kind regards, Dan”

Daniel, July 2016
Diploma in Electrical Engineering, Mathematics

"Holly got science endorsed with Merit in her NCEA external exams. She also got accounting and phys ed endorsed with Merit.

She passed maths with achieved in the externals which she is happy about. She is also happy she passed as she thought she had failed."

Holly’s mother Mary, January 2013
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

"Thank you Melanie for organising all the tutors for us this year, our first in NZ! You have been wonderful. I am so grateful.
Best wishes, Nilu"

Max's and Xan's mother Nilu, December 2024
Year 6 and Year 9, English & Mathematics

“I just thought I would let you know that she has achieved a Merit achievement in Accounting and a high achieved in Maths last week. She was so proud of herself as were we.

Thank you so much.”

Georgia’s mother Denise, June 2016
Year 11, Accounting & Mathematics

"A huge thanks to you Melanie and also to Katie and Jack for all their hard work in the tutorials for Tom this year.

He has improved so much and has gained confidence in his ability and approach to his subjects.

Wishing you all the best for a restful holiday period."

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

“Sean is really remarkable, Tom’s confidence is growing in leaps and bounds and he is loving learning. I am so pleased I found your organisation :)”

Tom’s mother Jo, May 2015
Year 9, Mathematics & Science

“I would just like to pass on thanks to Mo for the great Job he did with Adam in such a short time! He went from NA in mocks for Chemistry and Physics to passing both with Merit.

Will definitely be back and will recommend him to others.”

Adam’s mother Jayne, January 2015
Year 11, Chemistry & Physics

"Thank you for your message. I believe it went well. He was proud of his folder and his writing page, and he has some homework to complete, which is a great incentive for him.

I will try not to push him too much and instead leave him with the responsibility of completing his tasks independently.Unfortunately, schoolwork is not something he is naturally very interested in, so having someone else giving him tasks and guidance might be the right motivation for Mattia.

Naomi seems like a lovely and confident girl, and I am sure she will support him well in his journey of improvement."

Mattia's mother Giuliana, May 2026
Year 7, English

“Lauren's tuition prepared her for the MCAT and her end-of-year maths exam. Her major objective was to gain at least a merit pass in the MCAT, so that she could go on to take the 201 maths course in year 12. In her mock exam, she had not reached the standard for a merit. In her final exams, Lauren achieved an EXCELLENCE in the MCAT and Merits in her other 3 papers.”

Lauren’s mother Anita, January 2014
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“Alex is benefitting from the tutorials greatly – achieving positive results moving forward which is awesome.”

Alexandra’s mother Karen, July 2016
Year 13, Physics

“AHeadStart provide friendly, helpful tutors who are well organized and passionate about the subjects they teach. They are quite flexible with times, and the thing that suited us the best is that they come to your home. The tuition they provided for our son was invaluable. Definitely value for money.”

Matthew’s mother Cate, January 2014
Year 11, Geography, Mathematics & Science

"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

"Thank you for report, it is very encouraging.

I have also been very encouraged over the last few weeks with the shift in attitude that Grace has towards her maths, and this has to be attributed to Becky & her wonderful tutoring.

Grace has said on numerous occasions how fantastic Becky is and how much fun the tutoring sessions are. This change in her mind set must bode well for things continuing to improve.

Please pass on my heartfelt thanks to Becky – what would we have done without her?!!!"

Grace’s mother Jackie, June 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics & Science

"Hi James and Melanie 
Thankyou so much for the support for Imogen's learning .

James you are making a huge difference to her learning and understanding of both Physics and Chemistry. 
Thank you for working and encouraging . It is fabulous to see how much she values the tutorials . 

Thank you James for communicating with Imogen and mutually flexing the scheduled time . 
Am really thankful for your time and effort.

Melanie I have already mentioned to other friends how fantastic this has been for Imogen .
Hope you both have a lovely week 

Thank you again for making learning enjoyable and successful."

Imogen's mother Louise, June 2025
Year 13 Chemistry & Physics

"Michelle's lesson with Meg yesterday went well. Meg said she learnt a lot and though she's aware that she has a long way to go yet with algebra, she felt like she learned things that she has been unable to learn at school (apparently the teacher does not really address questions the pupils have - she just moves on). So it has been a great start."

Meg’s mother Lee, August 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

"Thanks once again. Tom found the tutorials from Daniel very helpful. Tom was very impressed with Daniel. He says he was really engaging. Just a fantastic teacher. Wow, really high praise from my son. I think you run a great business.”

Tom’s mother Leanne, December 2014
Year 13, Chemistry & Economics

"I received my results for maths and have achieved all and also got two merits (in arithmetic and geometric sequences and non-linear graphs) :)  I would like to take lessons again this year. "

Donia Hend, January 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

"It has been really helpful for Ryan and we appreciate Louie for all the support.
Thanks to you, Melanie for clearing communication."

Ryan's mother Kelly, November 2024
Year 13, English

“AHeadStart definitely provides a more professional and comprehensive service [than other tuition].”

Emmerson’s mother Tracey, January 2016
Year 13, Biology & Chemistry

“Had found Kip McGrath OK when children were younger, but not the specialists available for years 12 and 13 in science.”

Tom’s mother Josie, June 2015
Year 12, Mathematics & Physics

"AHeadStart was an amazing find! I wish I'd found it sooner! =) It helped me so much, it gave me confidance in maths!! made science interesting!!! and above all improved my school grades, to a level at which I'm winning an award for exellence in science! I came top of my class this year, and AHeadStart helped me there. I can't believe I'm typing this, but I now enjoy maths and science = P Thank you very much!"

Year 10 Student, December 2009
Mathematics & Science

“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

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.