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.

“All great feedback!! It was very helpful, he helped me to understand a concept that has been almost completely out of reach for about 2 and a half years. Will definitely be helpful, Many thanks.”

Alice, May 2014
Year 13, IB Physics

"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

“Hey Melanie, just got my results and I got 560 when I only needed to get 540!! Thanks heaps for the tutoring sessions. I know it was brief but it really helped!”

Sorren, December 2012
SAT College Admission Exam

“Melanie showed me how to make better study notes and work more efficiently and how to answer questions.
Before tutoring I would not have passed my exam, I was struggling so much with the understanding of the subject. My tutor broke down the subject into small bits and we worked on them until I understood each bit and she made sure I could do the question on my own.
AHeadStart have helped me heaps with chemistry without them I would not have been able to be on the road to completing my degree.”

Olivia, January 2016
Human Nutrition, Chemistry

"Hey Melanie thanks for a great year I passed with merit overall! And I got two merits and one achieved in bio. Thanks heaps!"

Matt, January 2012
Year 12, Biology

“Hi Melanie,

Helena had her first lesson with Connor and it went really well.

He gave her all the books and went over the letter with her. Helena told me that she learnt more from Connor, in that one hour, than from being in her chemistry class at school.

It is going to be a very long day for her as the traffic, going north, at that time of night, is pretty slow and it is a long drive home....but I have to say that I think Connor is worth it! Helena was really happy and I could see that she feels like she could 'get' chemistry after all.

Thank you for providing our daughter with such a great tutor!

Kind regards, Rachel Malone”

Helena’s mother Rachel, August 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

“I PASSED MY EXAM!!!!!!!!! Thank you so much for everything you have done for me! You are a star xxxxx”

Amy to Marwah, January 2017
Bachelor of Teaching (primary), Mathematics

“The tuition helped immensely, prior to tuition, Edie felt like physics was a foreign language and she was not capable of understanding it. Her tutor made her see how easy it was and gave her loads of confidence because he knew exactly what she needed to learn to get good results in her exams.”

Gretchen’s mother Edie, January 2016
Year 13, 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

“Hi Melanie,

Ryan got his student pack, which we looked through together when he got home and I saw the letter then.

Ryan enjoyed his first lesson with Hayden. He wanted to talk about and discuss the things Hayden had taught him! Ryan said he likes Hayden’s teaching method.

Hayden speaking clearly and talking directly to him made it easier for Ryan to understand. Ryan talked about his teachers at school and he said one of his teachers talks quietly and mumbles a lot which makes it difficult for children in the class to understand him.

I think Hayden will help with Ryan’s confidence to ask more questions at school.

So I must say, it has been a very positive start and Ryan is looking forward to his next lesson.

Thanking you, Kerrie”

Ryan’s mother Kerrie, August 2016
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

“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

“Hi Melanie,
Thought of letting you know that Adi is happy about his Physics paper. He was able to answer everything. I have asked him to let Ariel know.

Cheers, Gathi”

Adi’s mother Gathi, November 2016
Year 12, Physics

“Hi Melanie, tutorials have been going really well this term! I’ve found tutoring has been helping lots and Robert definitely knows what he’s talking about and can answer every question I have for him.”

Ruby, July 2014
Year 12, Biology & Mathematics

“Hi Melanie… Thank you for this report. Excellent feedback from Anna, she is doing just great work with our Sarah, they get along really well. Anna’s ability to motivate Sarah is fabulous!

Best regards Bev”

Sarah’s mother Bev, February 2016
Year 11, Mathematics

"Thanks to Jesse for his excellent tuition of Oscar this year.  I believe that Oscar has made a huge improvement in chemistry and Jesses help in other areas has very much benefited his learning.
Thanks for an excellent service."

Oscar's mother Tiffany, November 2024
Year 13, Chemistry

"I understand all of the subjects that I was struggling in alot better like algebra especially and number especially as we went through what I wasn't getting at a good pace so I could grasp it better. I also understand NCEA maths a bit better also as Mel explained to me what I generally needed in order to pass, which was good as I could then aim for getting those right. Getting an understanding in all if this helped me feel more confident in all areas of my maths not just the subjects that I was struggling in. I was in a relaxed environment which helps me learn better. Mel was also very patient with the things I didn't get."

Alice Cameron, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

“Hi Chloe, it’s Olivia just wanted to let you know that I passed both of my externals for chemistry that we worked on :) and passed NCEA and got my UE :)”

Olivia, January 2013
Year 12, Chemistry

"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

“Thanks to you and Sean for the excellent report. George is really enjoying maths now and recently got the top score in his class maths test and has been asked to join a maths extension group at school!  We are certain this is all thanks to Sean. He really looks forward to his tutorials with Sean each week which is great!”

George’s mother Justine, August 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

“[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

“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

"George felt very confident after the exam, and whatever happens he ended up enjoying the subject much more because of his time with Ben.  It was worth every cent and we were very pleased to have met him!"

George’s mother Sonya, November 2012
Year 12, English

"[Lulu] really enjoyed it and already feels its made a difference to her understanding of certain aspects of physics that she has been struggling to grasp.So thank you and thank Emma for me as well."

Lulu's father Muna, July 2024
Year 12, Physics

"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

"Can I also add my thanks for all your efforts and positive reinforcement for Briar over the past two years. I am just so pleased that Briar has put in the hard yards, maintained her effort even when she thought she was not getting ahead, and enjoyed the success of her efforts. It speaks volumes for your approach to tutoring and I am so pleased that we found you on the web and decided to work with you."

Briar’s mother Cathie, December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Biology

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.