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.

"It went well thanks, Lily said it was good and is keen for more.
Lily said Stuti’s approach worked well for her."

Lily's father Neil, February 2025
Year 13, Statistics

“[I] know that you are doing a good job tutoring Georgia when she spent all of Saturday helping her friend study for Maths as [her friend] had got not achieved in the linear internal and they allowing resits as some classes had such high not achieved marks.

Thank you Melanie. I know G happy with her M in that assessment. And that has everything to do with you tutoring her.”

Georgia’s mother Louisa, June 2015
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

“Amelia did a great job, and Oscar felt confident that he has passed Science.  Whether he quite makes merit remains to be seen, but without AHeadStart and Amelia, he certainly would have struggled.

Best wishes, David”

Oscar’s grandfather David, December 2016
Year 11, Science

"Wow Sophie was impressive! She was patient and engaging. She had a wealth of knowledge and fully prepared. Troy just beamed with confidence after sitting with her for only an hour. We are more than happy with continuing with Sophie, honestly I have no concerns with Troy passing English with her guidance. 
She’s just lovely."

Troy's mother Leanne, February 2025
Year 10, English

"I know! Thank you so much! Both my kids have benefited from the tutoring and Nye loves the conversations he has with them! They are awesome! 
Thank you so much."

Nye's mother Sara, November 2024
Year 13, Chemistry, English, History, Physics

“She has done exceptionally well this year in maths, gaining a school prize for maths in the year 12 cohort when she is a very young year 11! She has really enjoyed the tutorials and she and Jeremy seem to be a good fit.”

Lorna’s mother Jane, November 2015
Year 11, Level 2 Mathematics

“We are really thrilled with the progress Jack is continuing to make and Anna's enthusiasm for Jack’s learning. We are keen to continue long term.”

Jack’s mother Janet, August 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

"Sophie I'm sure has gained a good deal from her tutorials, even if just increased confidence in her abilities. Helena was a good match for her and very flexible with times etc."

Sophie’s mother Kirstie, November 2014
Year 11, Mathematics

“We are extremely grateful to Melanie for all of the help she gave our daughter. We believe she would not have achieved her excellent results without Melanie's great tutoring.”

Skye’s mother Susanne, January 2014
Year 13, Biology & Calculus

“She learned that physics is fun! She learned that it is really easy to understand when she knows the language and has more confidence in her own abilities. Her marks improved markedly and she ended up receiving the Cathedral College Physics Cup for Year 13. Her teacher had always had a lot of confidence in her ability to understand physics, but Edie was almost holding herself back by thinking she wasn't capable.”

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

“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

"Melanie was great in squeezing Danielle in for just a couple of revision lessons at the end of the school year and after school internal exams. However just the confidence she achieved was brilliant on its own. Thank you Melanie."

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

"Hi Melanie. I got excellence in NCEA! I also got e in mechanics and biology and e endorsement in maths. I’m so happy! Thank you so much for the help you gave me this year."

Ellen, January 2012
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

“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

"Isabella had a really good tutoring session with Hannah, thank you. She was very grateful for Hannah's help with her physics.
Thank you for arranging and for checking in."

Isabella's mother Deanne, May 2026
Year 13, Physics

“Ethan LOVES his lessons! Joe has completely lit a spark in him, it’s great to see J

Also – we just got Tom’s mid year reports and he got the highest scores possible in Maths and Science and is now top of the class in Maths! Way to go Sean!”

Ethan’s and Tom’s mother Jo, June 2015
Year 5 & Year 9, Mathematics & Science

“Just letting you know I passed both of my maths exams! So thanks for all the help – it paid off!”

Jane, January 2015
Year 13, Statistics

"[My son] found going over the specific areas that he didn't understand [helpful]...again the ability to personalise teaching to his specific learning needs."

Mother of student December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry

“Ruby wanted to achieve a good result in accounting as she was struggling with low achieved or not achieved scores.
In her NCEA Lvl 1 externals she got 2 merits and 1 excellence. Joe was amazing and in 10 weeks she learnt more than a whole year in the class room.

Her maths was always good but needed help with the end of year subject. She achieved Merits and got Maths Lvl 1 endorsed in Merit."

Ruby’s mother Keryn, January 2014
Year 11, Accounting & Mathematics

“George's first tutorial went great thank you very much! Joe was great. George really enjoyed it and even said it was fun!! James and I are very excited to know that George is getting such great help.”

George’s mother Gwynneth, June 2015
Year 4, Mathematics

“AHeadStart suited my son well. He was motivated but did not want to ask questions in class and had low confidence in Calculus. He was in Year 13 so did not want me to be too involved! His marks and confidence improved and he was happy with his NCEA results. That is all I wanted from the tuition.”

Alex’s mother, January 2016
Year 13, Calculus

"Mel continually provides excellent support. Often in a classroom some points can be missed, however the one on one with Mel has ensured that everything is covered, and learnt properly."

Kieran’s mother Marian, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"Vincent us very happy with Sophie. 

I would like to let you know that Vincent got a certificate on school today. He got certificate because his reading improved.

Thank you very much."

Vincent's mother Zsuzsanna, May 2025
Year 5, English

“The tutor was able to help me directly in certain areas of a subject that I struggled with, e.g. certain questions, which allowed me to learn what I needed to rather than go over the same things over and over again. The books with the past NCEA papers were extremely helpful and convenient and they played a good role in this. I find most other tutors, even private, are not very good compared to the tutoring I've had here.”

Richard, January 2014
Year 12, Level 2 Biology, Chemistry & Physics

"Indeg loved it! And thought Courtney was lovely! Indeg was so so nervous beforehand but was buzzing after!
Thank you"

Indeg's mother Sara, May 2024
Year 10, Cambridge English, Mathematics & Science

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.