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.

"[I enjoyed] how Mel went into a lot of detail and didn't give up until I was very comfortable with the subject. Also how Mel is more fun than teachers at school which makes the lessons more enjoyable."

Alice, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

"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

“Tom is loving his tuition, Sean is great and Tom has said he has learnt more in the last two weeks than all of last term!”

Tom’s mother Jo, April 2015
Year 9, Mathematics & Science

“Just wanted to let you know how much we have appreciated having Max as Hunter's tutor. He has been flexible and reliable and a great fit for Hunter's learning style. We wish you both well for the future."

Hunter’s mother Julie, December 2015
Year 13, Level 3 Calculus & Chemistry

"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

“I have to say that Jeremy was not only a fabulous tutor but also a good role model for an impressionable 12 year old boy! He now wants to go to University to do a mechanical or electrical engineering degree majoring in robotics!!

Thanks again and no doubt I will be calling on your services at some stage in the future.”

Josh’s mother Lee, May 2015
Year 7, Mathematics

“The children really liked him and were very very happy with the first session. Pieta stated that she was trying to get a grip on torque (for physics) all term and five minutes with Jackson she got it. She thought he was really patient, calm, clear conscience and explained concepts and his ideas really well. Toby said he was really cool and smart, happy to continue to work with him.”

Toby’s & Pieta’s mother Donna, September 2015
Year 10 & Year 12, Biology, Chemistry, English, Mathematics & Physics

"Thanks for the report. Ayrton struggled with all subjects at primary & intermediate school, and he has never had any confidence in his ability. Now with the help of both Ezra & Alex he is starting to realise he can do well and he is enjoying it so much more particularly the maths. Ayrton is now in a pre Cambridge Maths class and CBHS are getting them all to do some of the NCEA1 maths exam at the end of the year."

Ayrton’s mother Anna, July 2011
Year 10, Level 1 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

“Hi Melanie

Harry said the tutorial with Hayden was really really good. He said Hayden is was clear and kept moving (didn't waste time on stuff Harry knew) but made sure he understood before moving on.

Thanks so much Melanie - I felt the stress draining away after Harry told me the above about Hayden. It makes such a huge difference when I can be confident Harry has such great help to pass his exams. I am so impressed with how you run AHeadStart, so organised and on to it. I hope you are getting lots of students - I certainly have told quite a few people now.

Thanks and kind regards

Judith.”

Harry’s mother Judith, May 2016
Year 12, Chemistry & Physics

“Please thank Don for me. The whole process has been very easy for both myself and Alex. The tutorials gave him confidence which with any maths is vital.”

Alex’s mother Gael, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus​

"I repeated year 12 physics as I need it for Medical Imaging. I had already learnt the material, I just wasn't grasping ideas as well as I could have. Having tuition from Mel refreshed the topics and went into detail so that I had a clear idea of all of the concepts. I believe that getting tuition from Mel meant I could go into my exams with confidence and I am quite confident that I will get the grades I am looking for!"

Alice, December 2009
Year 13, Level 2 Physics

"Thanks for checking in.  Ella said the first session went really well, and that Aimee was easy to talk to, and helpful.  
They went over Ella's mock exam paper which was really useful for Ella.
Thanks again."

Ella's father Regan, July 2025
Year 11 Mathematics and Science

"Kate received additional Science Tutoring in Year 12 at Rangi Ruru (2022) from one your Science Tutors and it was a great success."

Kate's father Roger, February 2024
Year 12, Biology

"Issey has found her time with Jackson really valuable. He has been a superb tutor for her and they have managed to cover a lot of ground. We hope to use AHeadStart again next year."

Issey’s mother Robyn, November 2014
Year 11, English, Science & Mathematics

"Neil would not be able to answer the exams because he was doing the subject on his own and was far behind. Melanie came in and worked consistently and got him motivated to not only do his work but to do it well."

Neil’s mother Sarah, December 2009
Year 11, Level 2 Mathematics

“Anna was simply fabulous! An amazing tutor with such energy and personality! My children are both hoping they can secure her again this year. As Madeline said she made learning seem fun!! (:”

Madeline’s mother Louisa, January 2016
Year 10, Mathematics & Science

“The tuition helped me to further understand what I didn't comprehend in the classroom. It helped me to further my education in an environment focused solely on helping me achieve the best results possible.”

Matthew, January 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

"Thank you to Jennifer for being a great tutor. Tave really enjoyed her method of teaching and found her super helpful."

Tave's mother Renita, November 2024
Year 12, Biology & Chemistry

"I am so happy to have had Paula working with Abbie today, she is awesome!  She had the session well worked out and kept Abbie involved and interested.

As you know I have been worried that Abbie is missing out on some basic foundation steps in maths and spelling.  I now feel reenergized (how's MY spelling?) to work with Abbie myself through the week following Paula’s' lead on the Wednesday.

So many thanks."

Abbie’s mother Pam, May 2013
Year 3, English & Mathematics

"Thanks for all the help you have given Sam. You have done a great job and have a lovely way of teaching."

Sam’s grandmother Jackie, December 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Statistics

“Hello Melanie,

Thank you for your email and for the great tutorials you provide. I have improved a lot in the sciences because the extra help I received over the years. I had very excellent tutors, it was worth the price and I am happy I found AHeadStart.

Once again thank you!”

Ariam, January 2016
Year 13, Chemistry, Physics, Statistics

"We want to thank and acknowledge Ella's tutor Aimee, as she has been amazing while working with Ella and really helped her.
Thanks for all your help."

Ella's parents Regan and Emma, November 2025
Year 11 Mathematics & Science

“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

"Just want to let you know Jed really enjoyed his tutorials with Max and believes they have made a real difference to his exam efforts, particularly in re-igniting belief in his science ability!
His motivation and attitude has improved and we are hopeful this will carry through into Yr 12.
Please pass our thanks onto Max and am sure we will be in touch next year."

Jed’s mother Lesley, November 2014
Year 11, 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.