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.

“Hi Melanie

The purpose for my email is to let you know how much Eveane is enjoying her sessions and how much she has improved in a very short time. She had an internal assessment about 3 weeks ago and at that stage she had only had a couple of sessions. She was beyond surprised to have gone from Not Achieving in Chemistry to achieving Excellence for her assessment. She has developed a lot more confidence and understanding in THIS subject now.

Thank you so very much, we are beyond grateful!

Regards,
Suz”

Eveane’s mother Suzanne, July 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

"It has been really helpful for Ryan and we appreciate Louie for all the support.
Thanks to you, Melanie for clearing communication."

Ryan's mother Kelly, November 2024
Year 13, English

“Charlie said it went really well & Josh was great - cool in fact!  He believes Josh has made a difference already! Thanks heaps.”

Charlie’s mother Jane, August 2015
Year 11, Mathematics

“Many thanks to both of you for your assistance with his Physics and Calculus, we have noticed a massive turn around in both his grades and also his attitude towards both subjects.”

Kyran’s mother Janine, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus & Physics

“I just thought I would let you know that she has achieved a Merit achievement in Accounting and a high achieved in Maths last week. She was so proud of herself as were we.

Thank you so much.”

Georgia’s mother Denise, June 2016
Year 11, Accounting & Mathematics

"Yes, Helena's Chemistry exam was Friday. She felt mildly confident but you never really know do you. 
Either way, result wise,  Hannah was fantastic. She was the difference between confidence/knowledge and not."

Helena's mother Rachele, November 2024
Year 13, Chemistry

“By the way, feedback from Eveane is that these sessions are awesome. Even after only the first one things were making more sense to her and she has said they've helped hugely. Connor is very good and very patient with her. I only wish I had gotten onto these sooner!

Thanks so much, Suz.”

Eveane’s mother Suzanne, June 2016
Year 12, Chemistry

“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

"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

“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

“Thank you for all your support & help for Mikayla throughout the past 2 years, James was the most amazing Maths tutor & did wonders with Mikayla, I couldn’t speak more highly of your tutoring company and of James. And feel very blessed to have had the chance to discover who you were as it helped so, so, so much. Thanks again for everything.”

Mikayla’s mother Leeann, November 2015
Year 12, English & Mathematics

“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

"Melanie had exactly the right approach to engage Elsie about Maths. We all enjoyed Wednesday nights - and Elsie made real progress. Her confidence and enjoyment of the subject improved and she got improved test results - having struggled to "get" maths all the way through High School."

Elsie’s mother Mary-Anne, December 2009
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

"Hi Melanie,

Thanks for checking in. Her first tutor session went really well. She got along really well with Lucy and finished up feeling so great about it. We're really happy with how it went also and looking forward to seeing Sophias confidence grow now that shes getting help to understand her sciences.

So far so good, thankyou so much.

Kind regards,
Amanda"

Sophia's mother Amanda, April 2026
Year 12 Biology, Chemistry & Physics 

“Hi Melanie,

Thank you very much for organising the tutorial at such short notice. It was very much appreciated. Lorna sorted out entropy and also some mechanics in physics. She said Jackson was excellent – he explained issues very clearly.

Thanks again, Jane”

Lorna’s mother Jane, August 2016
Year 12, Chemistry & Physics

“Thank you so much for the feedback on Victoria’s tutorials. She has really enjoyed her sessions with Anna, who is just lovely and seems to be able to get the best out of Victoria.

Many thanks again for the great service you provide and the wonderful tutor we have been fortunate to have.”

Victoria’s mother Andrea, October 2015
Year 11, Mathematics

“We have been very pleased with the effort Blake and Lethan have put in for Matt. Both he, Pete and I appreciate their efforts very much.”

Matt’s mother Cate, December 2015
Year 13, Level 3 English, Geography, History

“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

"Ciara seems like a smart young woman, and I think her and Harvey got on well, so looking good.
Thanks, Geoff"

Harvey's father Geoff, February 2025
Year 11, Mathematics

"I would really like to thank AHeadStart tutoring as i had been to other tuition over other years and had felt that it didn't feel I had gained anything from this but form the tutoring and help you gave to me I felt I had grasped the subject better and it gave me more confidence in my ability which prepared me better for my exams."

Emily, December 2009
Year 13, Level 3 Physics

"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

“We have found the services of AHeadStart to be wonderful, friendly and personalised. Nothing is ever a problem and they are happy to think outside the square to find solutions. We got tuition to expand our son's horizons and to make up some weaknesses his school has, rather than to improve his marks and AHeadStart has done this wonderfully. The fact our son has come away from NCEA level 1 with excellence is an added bonus."

Samuel’s mother Jasmine, January 2014
Year 11, Mathematics & Science

"Alexander was thrilled with his session with Bailey.  Solved a lot of riddles!"

Alexander's mother Cecilia, April 2025
Year 13, Calculus

"We are very impressed by Joran and appreciate the effort he is putting into working with Isaac.
A great thorough report.
We are pleased to be continuing with his tutoring."

Isaac's mother Rebecca, August 2025
Year 12 Digital Technology

“Hi Melanie

Adam & Tim really connected & as far as Adam is concerned the extra tutorials were absolutely worth it & all being well the mark he receives will prove it. He doesn't think he would have felt the way he does if it wasn't for Tim. He even bought him a large bar of chocolate to say "thanks"! I presume he'll let Tim know once he receives his mark.

Thanks again.

Cheers, Ade”

Adam’s mother Ade, November 2016
Year 12, Mathematics

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.