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.

"Thank you for your professional assistance this year, Taylor has worked well with Daniel and it should put him in good stead for next year."

Taylor’s mother Erith, November 2014
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

"[Colton] said he really liked Isla and could understand what she was teaching him.
I thought Isla was very professional and came across really well and was ready to get into things and took the lead getting Colton into his room to study.
Looking forward to seeing how the sessions go."

Colton's mother Brenna, June 2026
Year 4, English

"Just wanted to say that Daniel has been excellent for Tom, and that Tom also appreciates his “style”! They seem to have an excellent rapport going, and while Daniel is certainly a bit introverted, they are communicating very well."

Tom’s father Steve, May 2013
Year 13, Calculus

"[Tuition] also helped me have a better understanding of the maths subjects I wasn't doing too well in and also helped me set realistic goals for the subjects. Once I got what I wasn't getting it made my confidence go up as I knew that I could actually do it."

Alice Cameron, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

“[Mikayla] saw her Maths teacher yesterday and he was saying to her that he can’t believe how much more improved Mikayla is this year with her books of work that she is turning in. Even though James and Mikayla only meet 1 hour each week, James has just made such a difference to her in helping her understand but also helping her do different equations that she is learning with approaching them with easier ways that what her books are teaching her. I have even noticed at home she is working through her books so much faster because she is actually having more of an understanding of what she is doing.

I would like to also say a huge thankyou to you and James for really sticking with Mikayla and helping her have confidence in what she is trying to do as last year she struggled to try and catch up but James just seemed to the right person to have incredible patience with her, Mikayla said she laughs sometimes because she sees him taking a few headache pills before the odd lesson. Ha ha. But again thanks for the reports and for James great teaching skills, hopefully Mikayla can keep up and keep remembering the skills that James is teaching her.”

Mikayla’s mother Leeann, May 2015
Year 12, 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

"AHeadStart is the best, especially [because] they offer one on one tutorials with the students and it helps students tackle difficult concepts and boost academic confidence."

Marz's mother Miguela, February 2026
2nd Year Engineering

“The tutoring is going extremely well and Sean has been very patient with Joshua and we have noticed a change in his attitude toward learning and reading.”

Joshua’s mother Heather, December 2016
Year 5, Reading & Writing

“Tried Kip McGrath at intermediate age. 1 on 1 far better and with tutors who have recently completed NCEA. Age difference small which for a teenage boy meant good rapport with tutor.”

Jayden’s mother Lisa, January 2016
Year 12, Mathematics

“The tuition was excellent and believe it really helped my son to achieve the best level he could. Dion's results did improve thru the year with tuition. I think he would have struggled without it. I'd like to say thanks!”

Dion’s mother Andrea, January 2016
Year 13, Calculus & Chemistry

“Leading up to the MCAT exam, Megan was still really confused and school was not offering anything in the way of tutorials. After 2 sessions with AHeadStart Megan felt she had enough understanding to pass the exam, and she actually achieved merit.”

Megan’s mother Donna, January 2014
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

"Logan had some good reports from his Science teacher yesterday, saying that the tutoring has made a huge difference, which is fantastic."

Logan’s mother Vanessa, April 2015
Year 10, Level 1 Mathematics & Science

“Mae has found Emma to be an excellent tutor. She was punctual, knowledgeable and friendly. Mae said she could always answer her questions and was an informative teacher. Her exact words were "she knew heaps about chemistry!"

Please pass on our thanks to Emma.”

Mae’s mother Truus, November 2015
Year 12, Chemistry

“Sean has been outstanding, as always, and Tom has had fantastic marks this year, graduating middle school with a Distinction, Sean has been instrumental in this.  He has also been wonderful with Ethan, who can be a challenging boy at times!

I hope you have a lovely Christmas, and thank you to you and Sean for all your support this year.

Best wishes, Jo”

Ethan’s and Tom’s mother Jo, December 2016
Year 6 & Year 10, Mathematics & Science

"Thanks very much for your support in finding a tutor for Rebecca. Rebecca is off to study Law and International Relations in Wellington next year and she is fortunate to have been granted a $10,000 excellence scholarship to attend. The success of which is in part due to the tutoring assistance she has received.

We have really appreciated the friendly yet professional way you run your business and Rebecca has found both her tutors to be very good. We were introduced to AHeadStart through word of mouth and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AHeadStart to others."

Rebecca’s mother Noreen, November 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Calculus

"Scott seems quite happy with the exams so far. I am very appreciative of the skills and abilities of the tutors as Scott has certainly become more confident in the knowledge that he does know things. Both Helena and Kirsten have helped greatly in developing his skills and techniques in both subjects.

I don’t know how children get on who don’t get tutoring, especially when the lack of knowledge comes down to the teacher that the student currently has. I firmly believe that Scott would probably have struggled to get an achieved in both subjects if we hadn’t approached you.

Please pass on our thanks and best wishes to Helena and Kirsten."

Scott’s parents Susan & Bruce, November 2014
Year 11, English & 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

"I received my results for maths and have achieved all and also got two merits (in arithmetic and geometric sequences and non-linear graphs) :)  I would like to take lessons again this year. "

Donia Hend, January 2008
Year 12, Level 2 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

"AHeadStart was an amazing find! I wish I'd found it sooner! =) It helped me so much, it gave me confidance in maths!! made science interesting!!! and above all improved my school grades, to a level at which I'm winning an award for exellence in science! I came top of my class this year, and AHeadStart helped me there. I can't believe I'm typing this, but I now enjoy maths and science = P Thank you very much!"

Year 10 Student, December 2009
Mathematics & Science

"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

"The tutors were fantastic and I am very happy with the quality of teaching they all provide. Thank you."

Year 13 Student, December 2009
Level 3 Physics & Statistics

“Hi Melanie.

It was a pleasure to meet Brooke last evening and to discuss the plans for Angus' tuition. She is a very pleasant young woman and has a lovely energy for working with a quiet young man like Angus.

Many thanks for your quick and efficient organisation of this tuition for Angus.

Kind regards, Wendy.”

Angus’s mother Wendy, September 2016
Year 11, Biology & English

"Eve was very happy with how it went thanks.
Isabella was great to deal with from my side too.
Thanks for organising."

Eve's mother Anna, August 2025
Year 10 English, Mathematics and Science

"Austin was very impressed with Harry's knowledge and thinks he will be a great help as he prepares for his exams especially the scholarships.
Thanks for suggesting him. Doug."

Austin's father Douglas, August 2026
Year 13 Calculus, Chemistry & Physics

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.