Parent Testimonials

"Thanks Melanie. Hamish did a great job. Rosa got top of her class for maths and science, and Carlos has appreciated the help too. We will be in touch next year with Rosa."

Rosa’s and Carlos’ mother Jackie, November 2014
Year 10 & Year 13, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"Briar was totally chuffed at her results and deservedly so. But the key for me was that it confirmed for her that she was quite capable of working through and understanding her maths, even though she had convinced herself that this was not possible. It seems to be a real issue for maths that so many students think that they are totally unable to comprehend the principles - you either like maths or you hate it and there seems to be no grey area in-between. So the credit really goes to you Melanie for getting Briar over that "useless at maths" label and giving her the chance to succeed - and she did so well! You have a great intuition for understanding how best to explain the subject."

Briar’s mother Cathie, January 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

"Rob has gained Uni entrance and also Level 3 too so we are totally thrilled... he is incredibly pleased. He gained 17 credits in biology and still avoided the DNA paper!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Would you thank Adam for me please and let him know...and a huge thank you to you too..."

Rob’s mother Edwina, January 2011
Year 13, Level 3 Biology

"Angus has received good results with AHeadStart and we as parents have really appreciated Melanie coming to his school for the tuition."

Angus’ mother Bridget, December 2009
Year 10 Mathematics & Science

“Daniel did a great job with Will who came home quite positive. He had been quite apprehensive with the fact that he needed a Tutor at all. Daniel's NCEA results impressed Will and I think he now sees tutoring in a different light."

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

"No doubt Saphron's ability to comprehend and understand Maths has led to a huge improvement in her School work. She has worked hard in class and both her confidence and understanding have now seen her work improve from a slightly below level student to her now becoming in the top 3% in her class, with a recommendation from her Teacher that she be moved forward going into next year. Maths Speed tests were also a mind block, but these are now completed quickly and accurately. Saphron's report is not due until next week but indications are that Teachers have been very impressed with her progression. We owe a lot of Saphron's improvements to Melanie with her programme certainly having a very positive effect on our child's learning."

Saphron’s father Mark, December 2008
Year 7, Mathematics

“Jackson has been awesome with Meg and has really achieved good progress with her. Thanks for all the support :)”

Meg’s mother Jennene, June 2015
Year 10, Mathematics & Science

“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

“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

“Ben has been really pleased with his tutor, who he has made a connection with, which has made it easier for him to learn. Thank you very much. It is great to see his spirits lifted after a tough school year.”

Ben’s mother Kerry, November 2015
Year 11, English & Media Studies

“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

“Thank you for the prompt replies and great communication when providing a tutor for my daughter. Not only was it easy to arrange and receive exactly what we asked for but we achieved the results we required. Gabriella passed all her subjects with Merit or Excellence and this was our objective.”

Gabriella’s mother Tracey, January 2016
Year 12, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"A big thank you to Chloe for her support. She has been amazing. Jennifer has only had nice and positive things to say about Chloe the whole year. Jennifer has enjoyed her sessions with Chloe and has found her style of tutoring so beneficial. Jennifer wouldn't be where she is today without her."

Jennifer’s mother Nicola, November 2012
Year 13, Chemistry

"I think Supun has already let you know his results. He has been awarded Merit endorsement for Chemistry. I am happy with the other subjects as well. Finally he has achieved University entrance for Engineering which I dreamed. This is the path I wanted Supun to show to go ahead and to achieve. Your teaching, your efforts and encouragements was a huge factor Supun to gain this. So thank you very much and much appreciate this."

Supun’s father Rohana, January 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Calculus, Chemistry & Physics

“I feel Anna achieved all her objectives and irrespective of the results, I witnessed a child 'grow' in so many aspects other than just learning the subjects. Her confidence took in a different level which was profound and was evident in all areas; not just the areas being tutored.”

Anna’s mother, January 2016
Year 12, Biology & Mathematics

"[I] have asked Gemma how her tutorial was and she said their session was good. They thought Helena was very smart (!) and she was able to help them understand their class work. All good for next Monday again."

Gemma’s mother Kathy, August 2014
Year 10, Mathematics

"Thanks so much for all your help with Grace. She has come a long way and is really enjoying maths and physics now as she is feeling so much more confident about her understanding and performance in these subjects. We were very proud for her with her physics result and I spoke with her calculus teacher at parent-teacher on Thursday night who was delighted that Grace is resitting calculus. Grace is now in a very different place thanks to your input."

Grace’s mother Suzanne, May 2013
Year 13, Calculus & 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

"Melanie had exactly the right approach to engage Elsie about Maths. We all enjoyed Wednesday nights - and Elsie made real progress. Her confidence and enjoyment of the subject improved and she got improved test results - having struggled to "get" maths all the way through High School."

Elsie’s mother Mary-Anne, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

“Thanks Melanie, Jedd has done very well with English this year and has enjoyed his tutoring with Blake and English at school - which is a huge achievement!

We are keen for Jedd to have English tutoring again next year so please put him on your list of students who want tutoring.”

Jedd’s mother Stephanie, November 2015
Year 10, English