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 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

“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

“[Tuition with AHeadStart was] Much better. Tom was having maths elsewhere but in a group. He liked one on one so that it was all about him and didn't feel like he was interrupting when he wanted to clarify something. Price was also very similar.

It was awesome, easy to organise, great tutor and flexibility. Thanks heaps.”

Tom’s mother Kim, January 2016
Year 11, 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

"Scott seems quite happy with the exams so far. I am very appreciative of the skills and abilities of the tutors as Scott has certainly become more confident in the knowledge that he does know things. Both Helena and Kirsten have helped greatly in developing his skills and techniques in both subjects.

I don’t know how children get on who don’t get tutoring, especially when the lack of knowledge comes down to the teacher that the student currently has. I firmly believe that Scott would probably have struggled to get an achieved in both subjects if we hadn’t approached you.

Please pass on our thanks and best wishes to Helena and Kirsten."

Scott’s parents Susan & Bruce, November 2014
Year 11, English & Mathematics

"I passed all my maths and science papers with achieveds and merits."

Kieran, January 2009
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics & Science

"Felicity is loving her tutor lessons and getting alot from the sessions. 
We would love to continue next year when school is back."

Felicity's parents Antoinette and Mike, November 2024
Year 10, English & Mathematics

“She has really enjoyed her time with Hamish and felt the best she had ever going into an exam, regardless of the result. That is something for her.”

Sophia’s father Greg, November 2015
Year 11, Science

"My only comment on Lily’s tuition would be how much Lily has enjoyed the sessions, and how much it has helped her get through the year on a subject she wasn’t enjoying much. Stuti has done a great job.
Best, Neil."

Lily's father Neil, September 2025
Year 13 Statistics

"[We found it helpful] that our tutor Michelle, was more than business - she was REALLY interested in our daughter, her experience at school, her progress, how she related to her teachers.
She also taught how to look at the problem from another angle or another way, until you find one that makes sense to you."

Olivia’s mother Allie, January 2014
Year 9, Mathematics

"Rachel became more and more confident after each lesson. The one-on-one tutoring helped her to build on the knowledge she had (or didn't have) and apply that to the exam questions."

Rachel’s mother Elizabeth, December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Chemistry, Physics & Statistics

“[Tuition] allowed me to learn the different external topics again in my own pace and go through and focus on the concepts that needed more work which could not have be done in a classroom environment.
Melanie was able to clearly explain chemistry concepts so that it was easy to understand which meant that I was able to apply the newly learnt knowledge and concepts in the external.”

Amanda, January 2016
Year 13, Chemistry

"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

“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

“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

"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

“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

 

"Thanks for checking in.  Ella said the first session went really well, and that Aimee was easy to talk to, and helpful.  
They went over Ella's mock exam paper which was really useful for Ella.
Thanks again."

Ella's father Regan, July 2025
Year 11 Mathematics and Science

“We assessed AHeadStart and Kip McGrath. My son had a definite preference for AHeadStart as it was much more 'slick' and professional with younger tutors.”

Peter’s mother, January 2016
Year 9, Mathematics & Science

"Melanie was great in squeezing Danielle in for just a couple of revision lessons at the end of the school year and after school internal exams. However just the confidence she achieved was brilliant on its own. Thank you Melanie."

Danielle’s mother Lisa, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Physics

“[William] thinks his physics exam today went really well, fingers crossed.

Thank you so much for all your help Mel, you've been brilliant. We would like you to help William out again next year with calculus & science.”

William’s mother Deb, November 2015
Year 12, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"All seemed to go well. Thomas was great, seems like a good match between the two.
It will be interesting to see where Thomas thinks Gus is sitting in terms of curriculum level over the next few weeks.
Great to see the homework, also. More than we have seen from school.
Thanks"

Gus's father Adam, July 2025
Year 4 English and Mathematics

“Dawn said she had a very good experience & Aaron is a very good teacher. She got excellence for her NCEA English & Classics.
​I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for guiding her in her English subject.”

Dawn’s mother Doreen, January 2016
Year 13, English

"FYI - we are very pleased with Sam's progress. Considering she was planning not to continue with statistics, with tutoring she has grown in confidence and achieving. It has been good that there was some degree of flexibility and we relied on Sam to work things out with the tutor. I think this has helped her take responsibility & make sure she was getting what she needed."

Sam’s mother Kathryn, October 2013
Year 13, Statistics

"Thanks to Jesse for his excellent tuition of Oscar this year.  I believe that Oscar has made a huge improvement in chemistry and Jesses help in other areas has very much benefited his learning.
Thanks for an excellent service."

Oscar's mother Tiffany, November 2024
Year 13, 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.