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.

"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

"Having the tuition mainly in physics allowed me to gain a much deeper and clearer understanding of the subject. Having Mel helping me through papers and questions enabled me to gain more confidence and feel prepared going into the exam."

Emily Farquhar, December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Physics

“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

"Jack has been amazing!!!  I cannot speak more highly of him. 

Eddy appears to be reaching his goals. He has had a major shift in attitude since working with Jack. I have watched him apply himself in many different aspects of his life since having tutoring. Not only maths and physic. Eddy is more confident at tackling any study now. 

Thank you again, Jack is an asset to have. He has been patient, understanding and explains the questions in a language Eddy understands. He is always on time. Jack has kept Eddy motivated to study. I highly recommend him. Thank you again."

Eddy's mother Helen, October 2025
Year 12 Mathematics & Physics

“My tutor was excellent, she really made me feel that I was in a safe and comfortable learning environment and motivated me to learn with her positive enthusiasm.”

Lisa, January 2016
Graduate Diploma in Business, Mathematics

“Can I say thank you for Kimberley's tutoring this term. Ashleigh was great, she had a positive encouraging manner and Kimberley responded really well to it. She is keen to continue with tutoring next year.”

Kimberley’s mother Jocelyn, November 2015
Year 11, English

“Sam has done so well this term – Jordan has had a huge impact on him. Math’s has improved along with all most all other curriculum subjects.

Sam has so much more confidence now within the classroom – so huge thanks!"

Ben’s mother Nikhola, October 2013
Year 11, 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

“Thanks so much for accommodating William this term. Daniel has been wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone. He has been professional in every way, always on time, never missed a tutorial. His manner and demeanour where encouraging and firm. I feel William has benefited immensely and look forward to his NCEA L1 result. Thanks, we will be in touch next year."

William’s father Kevin, November 2013
Year 11, Mathematics

“Hello Melanie. I just want to thank you for the excellent tutorials you provide.”

Ariam, July 2014
Year 13, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Statistics

"Tuition really helped me with physics and chemistry. In my chemistry and physics internals I found the tuition Melanie provided helped me work out harder problems and understand them, and therefore I was pleased with my results."

Georgie, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"I wanted to let Finlay know that Andy did get excellence in his physics papers.
So please pass that on to Finlay and a big thank you to you too."

Andy's mother Lyndal, January 2026
Year 12 Physics

“My daughter, Emerson, decided that she needed to pick up specific Sciences in Year 13 having only studied General Sciences up to Yr 12. To achieve to an excellent standard in L3 Chemistry she felt tuition would be valuable. We approached AHeadStart, who provided Emerson with Jackson. He was an amazing tutor who worked with Emerson throughout 2015 to an excellent standard. We were thrilled. Needless to say we had a fantastic experience with AHeadStart.”

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

“We are really thrilled with the progress Jack is continuing to make and Anna's enthusiasm for Jack’s learning. We are keen to continue long term.”

Jack’s mother Janet, August 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

"A very quick note to thank you and Jason for the great experience Campbell had with his first tutoring lesson. He was absolutely delighted with what was covered and the ease in which he grasped concepts previously misunderstood. I have not heard him as animated and enthusiastic as he was when we spoke last night for several years."

Campbell's mother Jill, July 2010
Year 13, Level 3 Mathematics with Calculus

"I believe that Alice's time with AHeadStart Tuition gave her a greater understanding of Physics than she was ever able to achieve at school. The one on one approach seems to really work, and Alice actually enjoyed completing the homework set for her. I'm hoping that this once a week session will mean that she has achieved all of her Year 12 Physics papers, which she was unable to do when studying the subject full time at school last year."

Alice’s mother Judy, December 2009
Year 13, Level 2 Physics

“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

"Brittany said thank you, he was very helpful, and if she ever needed help with chemistry in the future she would definitely get in contact with AHeadStart Tuition."

Brittany’s mother Jennifer, May 2014
Year 12, 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

"It all seemed to go well! Anna appreciated the time taken to establish how she likes to learn. 
There was some homework set, and Anna has this completed already.
I think it's going to be a good thing for Anna's confidence and self belief.
Thank you."

Anna's mother Gillian, May 2025
Year 12, Mathematics & Physics

“River said he found the Stats tutoring extremely helpful. He was really buoyed when he got home. He's looking forward to the next five sessions.”

River’s mother Yvonne, September 2015
Year 13, Statistics

“I would like to thank our tutor profusely as Anna has had a fantastic relationship with her .Both Melanie and I have observed a great step forward with regard to Anna's learning skills and overall progress. In the past Anna often floundered and did not know how to move forward as there was always something new coming up. Very frustrating for her which ate away at her confidence. Now Anna appears to enjoy her subjects and doesn't cry shy of them or skirt round them. Her tutor has helped her so much to devise a plan, system, strategy that has made a massive difference in how she approaches things and tackled the question. Hopefully this year ( 2016) we can build on this together.
I am so proud of Anna and I thank Melanie sincerely.”

Anna’s mother, January 2016
Year 12, Biology & Mathematics

"Jack has been very appreciative of the tuition!!
Thanks so much for such a great service you offer! 
It's been awesome!!"

Jack's mother Amanda, December 2024
Year 13, Calculus

"Caitlyn really enjoyed her session. Yuxin quickly identified Caitlyn's sticking points and they have a plan to focus on those.
Yuxin also checked in with her at the end to ensure his teaching style suited her - which it did.  Caitlyn was really impressed that he thought of doing that.  
Thanks so much for this."

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

“Thanks Melanie and Lauren

Lauren has been a very positive feature of the year, and I would like to thank her for her support.

Regards, Frances”

Rebecca’s mother Frances, November 2016
Year 13, English & Classics

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.