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 wanted 2 say thank you because all of my results were good and I’m extremely grateful for all the help the tutors gave me XD."

Soliana, January 2012
Year 12, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"Georgia really felt that Becky made a big difference. She feels sure that she has passed and hopefully even done better. I certainly appreciated the fact that you could quickly supply a tutor of Becky's calibre. I would recommend A Head Start to others in a similar position to Georgia."

Georgia’s mother Leanne, December 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Chemistry

“I don't know HOW but I got Excellence on my bio internal. They haven't officially given us the results back yet but they put the mark up on moodle (school website) and I just saw it. I don't know how that happened but thank you so much for the help!”

Izzy, July 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Biology

“Kira is absolutely fantastic. She’s by far the most amazing maths tutor I’ve met.”

Jason, August 2016
Entrance Test, Mathematics

“Thanks Melanie,

We are very happy with Georgia’s progress. Tim is a credit to your company - polite, prompt and Georgia says she is learning heaps, so thank you.

Kind regards, Claire”

Georgia’s mother Claire, November 2016
Year 12, Mathematics & Physics

“The tuition helped Ellen pass all the Chemistry Papers at Level 3 that she sat. She learnt to understand the chemistry concepts that were proving difficult for her. [She enjoyed the] one on one time to fully understand the chemistry that she wasn't grasping in a full classroom situation and the opportunity to have her questions answered in a manner that she understood. She improved her results from the mock exams until the final exams.”

Ellen’s mother, January 2016
Year 13, Chemistry

"Thank you so much for all your help with Luke & Bex over the past years. We really appreciate all the time and effort you have put into teaching them, you were a God send, honestly!"

Luke’s & Bex’s parents Peter & Nancy, November 2014
Year 13, Biology, Chemistry & Statistics

"Just wanted to say how thrilled we are with Caitlin's tuition. In addition to the skills and knowledge she has helped Josh acquire she has given him a lot more confidence. We are very grateful to Caitlin and the service you provide."

Josh’s mother Lynnette, October 2013
Year 12, Biology & Chemistry

"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

"Hi Melanie. It’s Nick. Just letting you know I got 63% for my maths test. Yes! A few silly mistake, so I could have done better but anyway 63 is better than a 0!"

Nick, June 2012
Level 100 Mathematics

"Virat is really happy with his first lesson with Emma. 
He had few points which were not pretty clear to him before,  but Emma explained him well. 
Thank you."

Virat's father Sushil, February 2025
Year 11, Science

"Just wanted to thank you again for the tuition from Max.

Alex passed his algebra test with merit and achieved everything else. Alex resulted in 111 credits and merit endorsement. A great relief and nice surprise.

Please pass this on to Max with our thanks and appreciation."

Alex’s mother Sandra, January 2014
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

"Having the tuition mainly in physics allowed me to gain a much deeper and clearer understanding of the subject. Having Mel helping me through papers and questions enabled me to gain more confidence and feel prepared going into the exam."

Emily Farquhar, December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Physics

“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

"Thank you :) you’re an amazing tutor thanks so much."

Haley, November 2011
Year 13, Level 3 Biology & Statistics

"I wanted to say a special thank you to you and Antonio for helping Sarah out this past year and giving her the confidence to continue with French.  When we found you, she was struggling with motivation and almost ready to give up on trying to navigate her new world of correspondence learning.
But her results show she has done really well on her assignments. Of the three who started the year, she is the only remaining student sitting the Level 2 French exams at her high school today. I am so proud of her for sticking with it."

Sarah's mother Lisa, November 2024
Year 12, French

“My ability to handle questions in the assignment has improved along with my confidence and skills using the calculator. I have developed skills in translating word problems in numbers and formulas.”

Lisa, January 2016
Graduate Diploma in Business, Mathematics

“Hello Melanie. I just want to thank you for the excellent tutorials you provide.”

Ariam, July 2014
Year 13, Biology, Chemistry, Physics & Statistics

“Josh said the time with Jacob was good and that in his next maths class he had he was able to understand it better. So we are both happy �� thank you. Lynne”


Josh’s mother Lynne, March 2016
Year 11, Mathematics

 

“By the way, feedback from Eveane is that these sessions are awesome. Even after only the first one things were making more sense to her and she has said they've helped hugely. Connor is very good and very patient with her. I only wish I had gotten onto these sooner!

Thanks so much, Suz.”

Eveane’s mother Suzanne, June 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

"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

“My aim was to better my external scores and pass all of the papers in physics. Tutoring meant that I did a lot better in my externals than I thought I would- I thought I wouldn't pass any of them, but I passed all of them and got a merit in mechanics (the one I found hardest). It helped me recall information quicker and better in my exam and by having a tutor who knew the system I was able to learn little tricks to make questions easier to answer.”

Emma, January 2016
Year 13, Physics

"Matthew is loving his time with Daniel and even told me last night that he now really enjoys maths!!! That is a huge compliment coming from Matthew. Met Daniel last week and he is a delight and a real credit to you."

Matthew’s mother Heather, February 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

"The tutors are doing a great job with helping students to learn new study techniques."

Neil Viegas, December 2009
Year 11, Level 2 Mathematics

“Cameron continues to do a brilliant job with Sarah’s learning, he is keeping her engaged and good results at school to show [for it]. Warm regards and have a great weekend. Bev.”

Sarah’s mother Bev, May 2016
Year 11, English

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.