Parent Testimonials

“We were thrilled to see that Eva got straight excellences (all internals and externals) for science for level one NCEA.”

Eva’s mother Frances, January 2015
Year 11, Science

“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

"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

“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

“Melanie has given my daughter more confidence in her own abilities and she is more positive and engaged in her maths. I highly recommend this to anyone who feels their child needs a boost in a subject.”

Emma’s mother Karen, January 2016
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

"Michelle's lesson with Meg yesterday went well. Meg said she learnt a lot and though she's aware that she has a long way to go yet with algebra, she felt like she learned things that she has been unable to learn at school (apparently the teacher does not really address questions the pupils have - she just moves on). So it has been a great start."

Meg’s mother Lee, August 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“Callum has found his sessions very helpful and we are grateful to have been able to get this organized at such a late stage of the year so - a big thank you to you! We have found your service great."

Callum’s mother Sara, November 2013
Year 13 Calculus & Physics

“I would like to thank our tutor profusely as Anna has had a fantastic relationship with her .Both Melanie and I have observed a great step forward with regard to Anna's learning skills and overall progress. In the past Anna often floundered and did not know how to move forward as there was always something new coming up. Very frustrating for her which ate away at her confidence. Now Anna appears to enjoy her subjects and doesn't cry shy of them or skirt round them. Her tutor has helped her so much to devise a plan, system, strategy that has made a massive difference in how she approaches things and tackled the question. Hopefully this year ( 2016) we can build on this together.
I am so proud of Anna and I thank Melanie sincerely.”

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

“AHeadStart definitely provides a more professional and comprehensive service [than other tuition].”

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

"Stewart was able to teach Michaela the subject content that by breaking it down to a level she was able to understand it, where the school teachers didn’t have time."

Michaela’s mother Sandra, December 2009
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics & Science

"Millie has really enjoyed having Michelle as her tutor and is feeling well prepared, thanks to the work that Michelle has done in going over questions/exam papers with her. Thanks again for organising her tutoring this year."

Millie’s mother Susan, October 2014
Year 11, Mathematics

"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

"Thanks very much for the assistance from James and yourself over the last few months. Michael is feeling much more confidant going into his exams now than he was a few weeks ago. I will have no trouble recommending AHeadStart to anyone needing a little extra help."

Michael’s mother Janette, November 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Calculus & Physics

“I am very pleased with Mathew’s progress and I know he feels the same. Aaron has definitely changed Mathew’s attitude towards English. I know Mathew feels more confident heading towards exam time with the confidence he has gained with Aaron. Thank you so much to Aaron.”

Mathew’s mother Andrea, October 2015
Year 11, English

"Just wanted to say a big thank you to Laura for all her help with Ashleigh. She has finished all her English assignments and achieved with Merit. Ashleigh is thrilled as she was convinced she would fail English this year."

Ashleigh’s mother Jacqui, September 2013
Year 12 English

“Having a tutor who was very close in age was great, she felt he really understood the topic and was easily able to explain it to her on her level, and that he knew exactly what she needed to do well in the exams.”

Gretchen’s mother Edie, January 2016
Year 13, Physics

“Just a note to let you know how thrilled Daisy is with her results for NCEA Level 1 … she attributes her success in no small part to Helena and her expert tuition, which gave her the confidence to believe in herself and  do so well. Thank you to you too for helping organise all this for us and for getting Helena to us. She not only achieved her 50 Excellence credits (which was her original goal for the year) but in fact exceeded 100 Excellence credits, which means she will be awarded with the top academic honour at St Margaret’s in the form of a red academic bar for surpassing 100 E’s. Only 12 girls achieved this last year in level 1 (there will be more this year as Daisy is in a very bright year group).  She achieved an Excellence endorsement for 4 subjects out of 6 … one of which was Physics which stunned and thrilled her. She was extremely close to getting Excellence endorsements in both Chemistry and Maths also … the algebra external which she failed in her mock exams at school she got an E for in the external.  When I reflect on how she was struggling with her confidence ..with confusion creeping in at around Easter last year when I first got in touch with you …to see her confidence and ability blossoming, the tutoring made all the difference and was worth every cent.”

Daisy’s mother Lorelei, January 2015
Year 11, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"John was very easy for her to understand and discuss problems with. Always prompt and loved the fact he came to our house."

Hannah’s mother Irene, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Physics

"Melanie was wonderful in her availability to cater for Danielle at short notice. Danielle was very certain that she was going to do poorly in her Physics exam prior to her lessons with Melanie. Melanie provided a method of formulas that would help Danielle answer questions. Melanie explained the subject in a way that suited Danielle. Danielle was very happy in the end."

Danielle's mother Lisa, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Physics

“Hi Melanie 

The tutorial went extremely well. Douglas was quite apprehensive but totally clicked with Jackson and said the 90minutes went very quickly and Jackson helped enormously with the maths and chemistry he had been doing this week. 

Many Thanks, Catriona”

Douglas’ mother Catriona, February 2016
Year 11, Mathematics & Science​

"The tutorials are going well and he got a lot out of the most recent one with Robert. I wish we had started them earlier!"

Alex’s mother Lois, July 2014
Year 11, Physics