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.

"Our daughter gained invaluable help from her AHeadStart tutors. After each lesson she came away feeling energised by the learning that she had done and she looked forward to the next lesson. She went into her final exams feeling confident that she had the knowledge to pass them."

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

“[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

"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

“I have been really impressed with the turnaround Jackson has achieved with Henry this year. He has done a fantastic job which I appreciate so very much. I hope that Jackson will be available again next year and Henry can continue tutorials with him.

I am very grateful for the service you provide as it has made a big difference for both Emma & Henry.”

Henry’s mother Tracey, November 2015
Year 10, English & Mathematics

“Hello Melanie,
Our tutor was superb - such a great girl :-)
Esme found her so helpful.
Kind regards, Annie”

Esme’s mother Annie, December 2016
Year 11, English

“Hi Melanie,

Ryan got his student pack, which we looked through together when he got home and I saw the letter then.

Ryan enjoyed his first lesson with Hayden. He wanted to talk about and discuss the things Hayden had taught him! Ryan said he likes Hayden’s teaching method.

Hayden speaking clearly and talking directly to him made it easier for Ryan to understand. Ryan talked about his teachers at school and he said one of his teachers talks quietly and mumbles a lot which makes it difficult for children in the class to understand him.

I think Hayden will help with Ryan’s confidence to ask more questions at school.

So I must say, it has been a very positive start and Ryan is looking forward to his next lesson.

Thanking you, Kerrie”

Ryan’s mother Kerrie, August 2016
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

“Thanks so much for accommodating William this term. Daniel has been wonderful and I would recommend him to anyone. He has been professional in every way, always on time, never missed a tutorial. His manner and demeanour where encouraging and firm. I feel William has benefited immensely and look forward to his NCEA L1 result. Thanks, we will be in touch next year."

William’s father Kevin, November 2013
Year 11, Mathematics

“Sam has done so well this term – Jordan has had a huge impact on him. Math’s has improved along with all most all other curriculum subjects.

Sam has so much more confidence now within the classroom – so huge thanks!"

Ben’s mother Nikhola, October 2013
Year 11, Mathematics

"[Tuition] helped with motivation and preparation for exams and exam study. Learned better study techniques. Got a lot more done throughout the year and coming up to exams than if I hadn't done tutoring."

Year 13 Student, December 2009
Level 3 Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Statistics

“Hi Melanie,
Thought of letting you know that Adi is happy about his Physics paper. He was able to answer everything. I have asked him to let Ariel know.

Cheers, Gathi”

Adi’s mother Gathi, November 2016
Year 12, Physics

“Hi Melanie,

Just to let you know Eloni had her Maths assessment on Monday and passed giving her NCEA Lv1.

She is really pleased with herself and found Sam’s tutoring invaluable.

We know it was an unconventional way for her to pass but Sam proved to be adaptable and flexible.

She is moving on to doing an Ara course next year.

Regards, Chris”

Eloni’s father Chris, November 2016
Year 12, Mathematics

“Thanks to you and Sean for the excellent report. George is really enjoying maths now and recently got the top score in his class maths test and has been asked to join a maths extension group at school!  We are certain this is all thanks to Sean. He really looks forward to his tutorials with Sean each week which is great!”

George’s mother Justine, August 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

“My daughter, Emerson, decided that she needed to pick up specific Sciences in Year 13 having only studied General Sciences up to Yr 12. To achieve to an excellent standard in L3 Chemistry she felt tuition would be valuable. We approached AHeadStart, who provided Emerson with Jackson. He was an amazing tutor who worked with Emerson throughout 2015 to an excellent standard. We were thrilled. Needless to say we had a fantastic experience with AHeadStart.”

Emmerson’s mother Tracey, January 2016
Year 13, Biology & Chemistry

"There are many things I understand better due to tuition. Firstly and most importantly, I found the most improvement in my electronics and magnetism test compared to the section of electronics and magnetism in the end of year exam (I got full marks in that section compared to the 65% I got in the unit test). I believe I struggled with it when I did the unit test but I found it far easier in the exam due to the tuition lessons I had been taking. Secondly I remember the huge improvement in geology. Geology was probably one of my weakest science subjects but due to tuition I actually started to enjoy it. I think that is because I actually didn't understand it properly before I started tuition. I learnt that you can really dislike a subject because you simply don't understand it but on the contrary, once you understand the principles, it could be very enjoyable. I also got good marks for that in the end of year exam."

Shalini, December 2008
Year 10, Mathematics & Science

"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

"Yea Sophie loved it. By the way, Maths is by far and away the toughest thing for Sophie. Prior to her tutoring Sophie's last exam resulted in an achieved. The good news is since getting Kelly's help, Sophie just received four excellence credits on her latest maths test. Please accept our heartfelt thanks to you and Kelly."

Sophie’s father Simon, June 2012
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

“We wanted to let you know how much Olivia has enjoyed her tuition. Amelia has been a great match for her. Olivia has improved a lot over the time Amelia has tutored her to the point where her teacher at school has commented. Also she has made a significant improvement in her end of year maths tests and has gone up a stanine.

We really hope that Olivia can continue her tutoring with Amelia next year.”

Olivia’s mother Kerry, November 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

"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

"Thanks to Melanie & John for your very professional approach to tuition. You provide lots of information & resources which made the whole process easy & accessible. Thank you. "

Alice’s mother Robyn, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 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

"Mo did a great job even has Adam looking at Engineering at Uni!

[Adam] passed his Chemistry Internal well and thinks he has done well in his Externals so was well worth it."

Adam’s mother Jayne, November 2014
Year 11, Chemistry & Physics

"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

"Melanie has fantastic communication skills. She was able to break down difficult concepts and show the connection to other areas in my paper. Thanks again Melanie."

Rachel Filipov, July 2009
Level 100 Statistics

“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

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.