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.

“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

"Sefton said she was great. He also said with a grin that she was “hot” so either that may distract him or motivate him, hopefully the latter. He told me has done the homework that she set for him already."

Sefton’s mother Kathy, August 2013
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

"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

“Hi Mel I just got my result for the Homeostasis internal and I got Excellence! Thank you for all the help, hope you have great holidays!
Izzy.”


Isabel, April 2016
Year 13, Biology

 

“My daughter's confidence, self-esteem and knowledge have all improved significantly. Clare had been considered 'at risk' of not passing NCEA by her school. However she ended up earning 102 credits which she was very excited about.
She doesn't find tutoring boring and is always happy to go. [She enjoys] Jackson's warm, kind and patient manner as well as his ability to explain things in different ways until she understood - he didn't make her feel stupid for asking for more detail.
Highly recommend AHeadStart.”

Clare’s mother, January 2016
Year 11, English & Science

"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

"Alexander was thrilled with his session with Bailey.  Solved a lot of riddles!"

Alexander's mother Cecilia, April 2025
Year 13, Calculus

“Hi Melanie… Thank you for this report. Excellent feedback from Anna, she is doing just great work with our Sarah, they get along really well. Anna’s ability to motivate Sarah is fabulous!

Best regards Bev”

Sarah’s mother Bev, February 2016
Year 11, Mathematics

"Indeg loved it! And thought Courtney was lovely! Indeg was so so nervous beforehand but was buzzing after!
Thank you"

Indeg's mother Sara, May 2024
Year 10, Cambridge English, Mathematics & Science

“Hi Melanie

The purpose for my email is to let you know how much Eveane is enjoying her sessions and how much she has improved in a very short time. She had an internal assessment about 3 weeks ago and at that stage she had only had a couple of sessions. She was beyond surprised to have gone from Not Achieving in Chemistry to achieving Excellence for her assessment. She has developed a lot more confidence and understanding in THIS subject now.

Thank you so very much, we are beyond grateful!

Regards,
Suz”

Eveane’s mother Suzanne, July 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

“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

"Emily is very happy with the session today. She said Rupert was great and she found it very helpful.

She's looking forward to making some progress."

Emily's father Chris, July 2026
Year 13 Calculus, Chemistry & Physics

"Lauralee and I would also very much like to thank you for your wonderful tuition at the end of last year. Lauralee attained an Excellence in Graphs and a Merit in Algebra, which absolutely thrilled her!! This was after the teacher at school suggested she should not take Maths in Year 12 due to her poor marks during the year! We have so much to thank you for! "

Lauralee’s mother Lisa, January 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“Hi Melanie

Thanks for your follow up. Ferg was very happy with his tutorial.  In fact he discussed it all the way home in the car.  Then I was allowed to read what he had done, and look at the work he had done at school.  (A first!!)

He knows he’s got the ideas, just getting them underway is his challenge (and then of course the proofreading, tenses etc.)  But as I have tried explaining to him a hundred times, that can all be done at a different time

The big thing is he is motivated, so really wants to do well.  So, yes, I would say the first tutorial was a success.  He was happy with Brooke and how she related to/helped him

Cheers Paula.”

Fergus’ mother Paula, June 2016
Year 11, English & Mathematics

 

“Hi Melanie,

Thank you very much for organising the tutorial at such short notice. It was very much appreciated. Lorna sorted out entropy and also some mechanics in physics. She said Jackson was excellent – he explained issues very clearly.

Thanks again, Jane”

Lorna’s mother Jane, August 2016
Year 12, Chemistry & Physics

"Chloe really enjoyed the tutoring lesson with Ciara today, she came back to the car very happy and excited to be working with Ciara.
Thank you to Ciara for providing Chloe with a bit of homework each week, it will keep Chloe's brain busy."

Chloe's mother Jenny, February 2025
Year 8, English

"Logan had some good reports from his Science teacher yesterday, saying that the tutoring has made a huge difference, which is fantastic."

Logan’s mother Vanessa, April 2015
Year 10, Level 1 Mathematics & Science

"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

“Molly said Jacob was great. He was knowledgeable and really clear when explaining things. She found the session very worthwhile.”

Molly’s mother Pip, June 2015
Year 13, Physics

“Thank you so much for all the help you have given me with bio and stats this year. I’ve enjoyed the funny yet shockingly bad jokes and thank you for putting up with my countless blonde moments. I look forward to seeing you next year.”

Anna, November 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Biology & Mathematics

"Melanie showed Martina and Amy that the results are achievable it’s just a matter of hard work and not being afraid to ask. They have learnt a valuable skill."

Amy & Martina’s father Rob, December 2009
Years 12 &13

"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

"I am so happy to have had Paula working with Abbie today, she is awesome!  She had the session well worked out and kept Abbie involved and interested.

As you know I have been worried that Abbie is missing out on some basic foundation steps in maths and spelling.  I now feel reenergized (how's MY spelling?) to work with Abbie myself through the week following Paula’s' lead on the Wednesday.

So many thanks."

Abbie’s mother Pam, May 2013
Year 3, English & Mathematics

"To Mel, Thank you so much for all your wonderful help. Best tutor ever! :D"

Jessie, November 2011
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics & Physics

“Melanie showed me how to make better study notes and work more efficiently and how to answer questions.
Before tutoring I would not have passed my exam, I was struggling so much with the understanding of the subject. My tutor broke down the subject into small bits and we worked on them until I understood each bit and she made sure I could do the question on my own.
AHeadStart have helped me heaps with chemistry without them I would not have been able to be on the road to completing my degree.”

Olivia, January 2016
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.