"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
“Tuition helped Harry as he felt confident to ask & discuss what he didn't understand in this one-on-one environment, whereas he wouldn't ask questions in a class setting. Harry passed Science NCEA. Previous to tuition he had failed his non-credit tests. Harry gained confidence in his ability and in asking for help and learnt to go over old papers and be more strategic with his study.”
Harry’s mother Judith, January 2016
Year 11, Science
“Hello Melanie. I just want to thank you for the excellent tutorials you provide.”
Ariam, July 2014
Year 13, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Statistics
"As a result of having tutoring I feel I understand every topic a lot better. Before I started tutoring I thought I understood the topic but test results said a different story. After having tuition I found I had a better understanding of the topics in general and most of the time I understood what the question was asking.
I thought that Melanie was very helpful in explaining easy ways to understand what the question meant. In Solving Probability problems during the year my report was not achieving at the end of the year it changed to Achieving well my results changed from a not achieved to a merit. Understanding the language they used in Probability was my biggest problem I feel tutoring really helped this subject improve as I grasped what they were really trying to ask.
In the subject Applying Probability Distributions my results changed from not achieving to a merit. This is because I learnt when to apply binomial or Poisson or normal distributions. I learned the difference between these three distributions and it helped improve my test results.
In the topic Using Confidence intervals my results changed from not achieved to an achieved but I feel that the practice and revision I did between the last school results and the final NCEA exam that hopefully my results are higher than that. I feel more confident with this topic now.
Finally with the topic solving equation I could only ever do the simultaneous equations and not the graph part. I use to avoid this paper and did not do it in the school practice exam. So I do not have any results to show how I have improved but I feel with the lessons I have received that I can now answer all questions in this topic and I find it the most enjoyable and the easiest topic to do out of all of them."
Kate McDonald, December 2008
Year 13, Level 3 Statistics
"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
“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
“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
“I have achieved a Distinction in ICAS and a Year Seven maths award.
I have learnt many new strategies to help me in maths and I think that this is how I have achieved these awards.”
George, January 2016
Year 7, Mathematics
“AHeadStart is a fantastic tutoring company! With tutors who help each individual students and cater to their specific needs, and with the flexibility of being able to come to your own home. AHeadStart is definitely a tutoring company I would recommend.”
Matthew, January 2016
Year 12, Chemistry
“Ross found the [Calculus] exam very difficult and he said everyone felt the same. He flew through differentiation but he said the rest was very tough. Nonetheless he believes he has passed. Hope so!!
Thanks to Max for all his help and patience with Ross throughout this year. Ross really enjoyed working with Max.”
Ross’ mother Jeanie, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus
"I am from St Andrew's College and have received tutoring from Melanie for the past two years, in Chemistry, Physics, [Mathematics] and Calculus in NCEA levels 2 & 3. I have found it very helpful to revise work that I was unsure of and for practical problem solving. I Found Melanie easy to relate to, and she had a wide knowledge of all the above subjects."
Tom Whitehead, December 2007
Year 13, Level 3 Calculus, Chemistry & Physics
"I found the high level of knowledge from my tutor, and the use of past ncea examinations from my chosen subject, increased my ability to answer previously difficult questions in my chosen subject with ease."
Jackson, December 2009
Year 11, Level 1 Physical Science
"Just want to let you know Jed really enjoyed his tutorials with Max and believes they have made a real difference to his exam efforts, particularly in re-igniting belief in his science ability!
His motivation and attitude has improved and we are hopeful this will carry through into Yr 12.
Please pass our thanks onto Max and am sure we will be in touch next year."
Jed’s mother Lesley, November 2014
Year 11, Science
“I felt the help Anna received was invaluable and has made a positive contribution to her general development in both maturity , conscious application of concepts grasped and reflective appraisal of own work. Extremely rewarding to see and of immense worth to Anna and her self-esteem.”
Anna’s mother, January 2016
Year 12, Biology & Mathematics
“Sarah started the course late. However, since starting she has a more positive outlook and understanding of the subject maths.
Her test results at school were pleasing and it was great to see achieves, merits and excellence right across the board. Even though maths was only achieved in terms of marks Sarah is now more confident in knowing she will pass NCEA in 2016.”
Sarah’s mother Linda, January 2016
Year 10, Mathematics
“She has done exceptionally well this year in maths, gaining a school prize for maths in the year 12 cohort when she is a very young year 11! She has really enjoyed the tutorials and she and Jeremy seem to be a good fit.”
Lorna’s mother Jane, November 2015
Year 11, Level 2 Mathematics
"Hi Melanie, just thought I’d let you know how I went. I passed my exam which is great so I get to continue onto biochem now. Thank you so much for all your help!"
Olivia, July 2015
Human Nutrition, Chemistry
“AHeadStart tuition is beneficial to both the student and the parents. Regular focused tuition throughout the year enabled my dyslexic son to approach is NCEA level 3 exams in a calm, confident and organised manner. The one on one verbal tuition suits my son far better than revising by reading. I felt comfortable that George was receiving the best learning support we could provide him with. With the help of AHeadStart tutor, Jackson, our son has passed NCEA level 3 with Excellence. Thanks!”
George’s mother Judith, January 2016
Year 13, Biology & Chemistry
"Henry seems to be enjoying meeting up with Cameron and think that the match is a pretty good fit. I like the looks of the spreadsheets they are doing, especially the "changing modifiers" one, as this is what Henry tends to do in his writing (and his speech when he is describing an event/experience). Cameron said "it's all there, he just needs to slow down" which is exactly what his teachers are saying, so Cameron is working on some techniques to help him slow down and produce better quality work."
Henry’s mother Maree, August 2015
Year 5, English
"Alexander was thrilled with his session with Bailey. Solved a lot of riddles!"
Alexander's mother Cecilia, April 2025
Year 13, Calculus
“Jake had a very positive opinion of his first tutorial. He did say that he liked the way Hayden explained things and they seemed to have a good rapport.
Thank you very much for your assistance and we are very confident that this arrangement will be very beneficial for Jake.”
Jacob’s mother Adele, April 2016
Year 13, Calculus & Physics
"Rory found the 1:1 tuition very helpful. He was able to address specific issues very quickly. "
Rory’s mother Lee, December 2009
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics & Science