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.

"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

"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

“Ethan very happy with Hamish. All positive feedback from last night’s tuition, with explanations provided helpful as to what he needs to write for excellence level.”

Ethan’s father Brett, May 2015
Year 10, Level 2 Mathematics & Physics

“[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

"Thank you for your report. I'm really pleased with Brits attitude to her tutoring. She's happy to come along and her latest results were a credit to your help and her focus on making the most of her tutoring."

Brittany’s mother Justine, March 2014
Year 11, Mathematics

"Neisha was very pleased with how the lesson went.  She has had a great week at school this week and has done very well in two of her science tests.  The confidence this has given her already is incredible. Thank you very much."

Neisha’s mother Nicola, July 2014
Year 10, Mathematics & Science

"Thanks for checking in, Merryn said it went really well and that Esme was really nice, she was nervous about the whole process and Esme made it stress free and relaxed which will really help Merryn to focus.
Thank you!"

Merryn's mother Sarah, September 2026
Pre-Health Chemistry

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

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

"Emma said Hannah was nice, knowledgeable and helpful. It seems like it was a good match. 
Thank you!"

Emma's mother Chika, October 2026
Year 13 Physics

“We have found the services of AHeadStart to be wonderful, friendly and personalised. Nothing is ever a problem and they are happy to think outside the square to find solutions. We got tuition to expand our son's horizons and to make up some weaknesses his school has, rather than to improve his marks and AHeadStart has done this wonderfully. The fact our son has come away from NCEA level 1 with excellence is an added bonus."

Samuel’s mother Jasmine, January 2014
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

“The tuition helped me to further understand what I didn't comprehend in the classroom. It helped me to further my education in an environment focused solely on helping me achieve the best results possible.”

Matthew, January 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

"Yes we met with Blake and he seems like a very professional person.

Michael was impressed, and liked Blake’s calm manner and how he didn’t put Michael down when Mike didn’t know something (I know that is what teachers are meant to be like but it is a big thing for Michael) J

We are very happy thank you."

Michael’s mother Fay, August 2013
Year 11, English

"Many thanks for this. He is really enjoying the tutorials and is obviously benefitting from them. I really appreciate your help."

Markus' mother Sarah, June 2024
Year 12, Biology & Physics

“We wanted to let you know that Alice received her IB results this week, which included a very pleasing 6 out of a possible 7 for Physics, a subject that she was struggling with earlier in the course and which in Year 12 her teacher thought she might only achieve a 4 or possibly 5 in. Please would you forward this to Hamish as we promised to let him know how she got on.

Alice would be the first to say how much she owed to Hamish's support and guidance in their weekly sessions so thank you very much for finding such an excellent tutor for her, we are convinced it made the crucial difference in her understanding. If Hamish ever needs a testimonial from the parents' point of view we would be very happy to provide one.”

Alice’s mother Jane, January 2015
Year 13, IB Physics

"Hi Melanie, just wanted to inform you I passed my psychometric, and thank you very much for your time and help :)
Shannon"

Shannon, October 2026
NZ Police Entrance Test

"The kids' first lesson with Thomas went well. They said he is nice and fun.
They are looking forward to their lesson with him tomorrow."

Aida's & Jakob's mother Tara, October 2024
Year 4 & Year 6, English & Mathematics

"Isabella had a really good tutoring session with Hannah, thank you. She was very grateful for Hannah's help with her physics.
Thank you for arranging and for checking in."

Isabella's mother Deanne, May 2026
Year 13, Physics

"It went really well. Ella explained the subject very well and Hannah found her easy to understand - better than her physics teacher at school! 
Ella was very friendly and approachable and they both got on well.
Thank you for organising. Hannah is looking forward to her next session."

Hannah's mother Angela, April 2024
Year 12, Physics

"[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

“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

“Both got a lot out of their tuition, so thank you very much for being able to organise it at such short notice. Hopefully it shows in their exam results! At least they felt more confident going into their exams.

Cheers, Tracey”

Natalie’s and Kimberley’s mother Tracey, December 2016
Year 11 & Year 13, English

“Thank you for your kind wishes to Charlie. He is quietly confident for a good result! Our thanks to James also. We were very happy with the quality of his tuition.”

Charlie’s mother Margaret, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus

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

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

"I understand all of the subjects that I was struggling in alot better like algebra especially and number especially as we went through what I wasn't getting at a good pace so I could grasp it better. I also understand NCEA maths a bit better also as Mel explained to me what I generally needed in order to pass, which was good as I could then aim for getting those right. Getting an understanding in all if this helped me feel more confident in all areas of my maths not just the subjects that I was struggling in. I was in a relaxed environment which helps me learn better. Mel was also very patient with the things I didn't get."

Alice Cameron, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

"Bruce is very happy with Antonio's tutorial. It's good to have someone got Es in his NCEA experience to teach him and give his advice. He thinks he's not only teaching, but giving him good advice to achieve Excellence level, which is beyond his expectation. Cheers."

Bruce's mother Carol, March 2024
Year 13, Statistics

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.