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.

“Josh did enjoy and found the tutorials very helpful from Blake, Max and Hugh.  Next year he will decide which scholarship subjects to take.  He will be wanting assistance with tutorials in 2016 and I will get in touch with you with his requirements as soon as I can.”

Josh’s mother Cate, December 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Accounting, Economics, English & Mathematics

"Not only has my Max found your Max very helpful with his maths learning, but he has also enjoyed his company, taken a tutorial at the University and been inspired to follow in Max’s footsteps and aim to do a degree in Computer Science! A direction was what Max needed most of all so now he has a reason to try to do well in his exams."

Max’s mother Caroline, October 2014
Year 12, 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

“Just a note to thank you very much for all your help with supporting Daisy via Helena again this year. Daisy’s confidence and love of science due to Helena’s expert and engaging tuition has blossomed. From the Year 10 girl I called you about two years ago, starting to lose her understanding of concepts and needing support, to the confident Excellence level student we have now, has been a transformation. Daisy has always loved science and that love has grown ten-fold in the past two years. She managed to gain 100% Excellences in all her internals this year… not just for her 3 sciences but in all 6 subjects and is already way past the 50 Excellence credits needed for her Level 2 Excellence endorsement, and only 6 credits shy of gaining her second Gold Bar at St Margaret’s (70 E credits).

Many thanks once more. Please tell Helena that Daisy will be in touch with her when she gets her results in January!”

Daisy’s mother Lorelei, December 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"Thanks for the report. Ayrton struggled with all subjects at primary & intermediate school, and he has never had any confidence in his ability. Now with the help of both Ezra & Alex he is starting to realise he can do well and he is enjoying it so much more particularly the maths. Ayrton is now in a pre Cambridge Maths class and CBHS are getting them all to do some of the NCEA1 maths exam at the end of the year."

Ayrton’s mother Anna, July 2011
Year 10, Level 1 Mathematics

"It was so great. He's the right teacher for her :) thank you so much. "

Eva-Rose's mother Emily, March 2025
Year 11, Commerce, Mathematics & Science

“Alex has achieved a greater understanding of Physics thanks to working with Emma. It has taken her from not achieving in Term One to full internal Excellence results for the balance of the year. So please pass onto Emma our thanks for working with Alex throughout most of 2016. Picking Physics up for the first time in year 13 was a challenge.

Kind regards, Karen”

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

"[My daughter] was advised not to attempt Chem or Stats as her level 2 results were not good enough. She passed all of her internals with some merit passes. She has worked very hard with the tuition showing her how to maximise her efforts."

Mother of student December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Chemistry & Statistics

"Thank you to Jennifer for being a great tutor. Tave really enjoyed her method of teaching and found her super helpful."

Tave's mother Renita, November 2024
Year 12, Biology & Chemistry

"We found Caitlin excellent as tutor, Rebecca reports that she was very knowledgeable about the material and even lent her a text book for study. Rebecca related well to Caitlin and enjoyed her sessions. We are very grateful for having found your service, as I believe correspondence on its own would have been sadly lacking – I think there is definitely room for some improvement in their resources and methods of instruction, the assigned teacher at the school was pleasant but Rebecca had little contact outside of brief written comments on her work papers."

Rebecca’s mother Noreen, November 2011
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

"I learnt how to take a question and work through it simply and correctly. I was taught how to properly use the formulas given, to understand and answer selected questions. I was taught the information which I needed to know for the exam which I had not been properly taught."

Danielle, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Physics

"Yes it went really well Thank you, Indiana engaged with her well, and she enjoyed her session would be keen to more sessions with Eden."

Indiana's mother Jodie, June 2024
Year 2, Literacy and Numeracy

“Tutoring from AHeadStart is well worth it! I only went for 7 sessions but I gained lots of knowledge and confidence and achieved my goal of passing the MCAT with excellence.”

Lauren, January 2014
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“I contacted AHeadStart to get some extra support for my son about a month prior to NCEA exams. He is a capable student but finds some aspects of English difficult. In 4 or 5 sessions he worked alongside Paula and gained valuable knowledge about completing English exam papers. He was very pleased to get English endorsed with excellence and so were his parents!!.”

Isaac’s mother Jenny, January 2014
Year 11, English

“Just finished [the Chemistry exam]. Feeling pretty confident. Was able to answer all the questions well. Evens “solids” ones. Couldn’t have done it without you. Thank you very much. Nick.”

Nick, November 2016
Year 12, 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

“I gained a lot of knowledge about chemistry, my grades were achieved at the start of the year and i ended up receiving excellence in all my internals. If it wasn't for AHeadStart I most likely would have barely passed level 2 chemistry.”

Matthew, January 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

“Hi Melanie

Sorry for late response but in relation to Friday’s session the feedback I received from Braxton was really good. He said it was a really good session with Zak and he understands what they were working on sooooo much better so please can you pass on my thanks to Zak.

Kind Regards, Donna.”

Braxton’s mother Donna, May 2016
Year 11, Accounting

“Hi Melanie,

Waitaha came home really positive about his first session with Jonathan, he said he was very good and it helped his understanding of the maths they covered today.

Thanks again, Sharon.”

Waitaha’s mother Sharon, June 2016
Year 11, Mathematics

“I'd like to say a very big thank you to both Ashleigh and Hugh for the support that they have shown Megan through this year. They have been wonderful and a huge help.

It has been a very tough year for Megan, far worse than we could ever have imagined, but she seems to have pulled through.   They were both very understanding and accommodating to the way Te Kura set out their lessons etc.  Thank you, Thank you, Thank you!”

Megan’s mother Toni, November 2015
Year 13, Accounting, Economics, English & History

“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

“Hannah achieved NCEA Level 3 with merit and is attending Canterbury University this year - she enjoyed her tutoring with Robert and although she became disengaged towards the end of the year, that was of her doing and her results in Statistics and Biology are testament to her having received tutoring.”

Hannah’s mother Louisa, February 2015
Year 13, Biology & Statistics

"Thank you for your service and a huge thanks to Aarya. She has been amazing for Blake."

Blake's mother Kirstine, November 2024
Year 13, Calculus

“The workshops have been great for William- let's see how his results are! I know he's got a lot out of each one - well at least he tells me he has.

Thanks very much to you and your team for what you offer.

Michelle”

William’s mother Michelle, November 2016
Year 13 Calculus & Year 12 Physics

"Olivia actually really enjoyed it. She has never had tutoring before. She has been taking French since yr 9 so that was something they had in common.
She was worried about arriving fatigued as she had been working hard on a physics internal last night. School and defensive driving course today before tutoring.
But she left feeling energised as she felt she was understanding the explanations Joran was giving.
She found out he also tutors stats which she is also taking. [It 's great] they able to cover different subjects if she gets to a point that she is more confident with physics."

Olivia's mother Fiona, October 2024
Year 13, 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.