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.

“Daniel did a great job with Will who came home quite positive. He had been quite apprehensive with the fact that he needed a Tutor at all. Daniel's NCEA results impressed Will and I think he now sees tutoring in a different light."

William’s father Kevin, October 2013
Year 11, Mathematics

“I would just like to pass on thanks to Mo for the great Job he did with Adam in such a short time! He went from NA in mocks for Chemistry and Physics to passing both with Merit.

Will definitely be back and will recommend him to others.”

Adam’s mother Jayne, January 2015
Year 11, Chemistry & Physics

"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

“Hi Melanie

Aaron was a lovely young man and his tutoring was invaluable.

Thank you, Ann”

Genaya’s mother Ann, November 2016
Year 13, Biology & English

“I feel Anna achieved all her objectives and irrespective of the results, I witnessed a child 'grow' in so many aspects other than just learning the subjects. Her confidence took in a different level which was profound and was evident in all areas; not just the areas being tutored.”

Anna’s mother, January 2016
Year 12, Biology & Mathematics

“Hi Melanie 

Brenna really enjoyed her first lesson her words were ‘I want to cry as I have spent 1 hour with Aira and learnt something I have being trying to get for a month in class'.

She really loved it, even did all her homework last night. Yay.

Thanks so much. Gaylene”

Brenna’s mother Gaylene, August 2016
Year 12, Mathematics

“Melanie, I meant to call you on Friday to say how delighted Jordan was with the pack and goodies and how impressed both he and Fletcher were with Michael. They said he's making physics sound so achievable.
Please pass on my congratulations to Michael - he may be able to crack the 'code' and get Jordan excited about science again.
Looking forward to tomorrow. Liza.”


Jordan’s mother Liza, April 2016
Year 12, Physics

 

"I just wanted to thank you for the tutorials. Izzy said Jonathan was incredible. She has only ever had positive feedback after each tutorial. It has been wonderful for her to have someone to work with who gives wider meaning and context to her subjects. From what I can tell Jonathan often provided different approaches to problems which has aided her true understanding. She really likes to understand things from the bottom up so I think they have worked well together. Please pass along our thanks to him.

Also, please do let us know if Jonathan will continue tutoring next year. I know Izzy would be keen to continue!"

Izzy's mother Juliet, November 2024
Year 12, Physics

“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

“Hi Melanie

Having Aria as Mackenzie's tutor for Maths has been the best decision - it has made a huge difference to her understanding of the topic. This has shown up in her confidence and been reflected in her grades at school. One to one lessons has been the great benefit compared to the classroom where she struggled to get the teachers attention for most of the year. Mackenzie did well in her internal geometric reasoning exam and felt confident going into the end of year exam - however she said it was a strange exam compared to what they had been learning so end results will tell.

So please give Aria a huge thank you and we would love to have her time again next year. Overall I am pleased with your service and the reports provide Mackenzie with great support.

So best wishes for the end of the year and I will re-enrol for next year.

Many thanks, Bronwyn”

Mackenzie’s mother Bronwyn, November 2016
Year 11, Mathematics

"[Adam] is saying it went really well. Certainly he came home very upbeat. I think he’ll get a lot from it. He says Jack was really good, understanding what he wants to learn, knowledgeable and easy to get along with.

All good!"

Adam's mother Helen, May 2025
Year 10, Mathematics & Physics

“Ethan very happy with Hamish. All positive feedback from last night’s tuition, with explanations provided helpful as to what he needs to write for excellence level.”

Ethan’s father Brett, May 2015
Year 10, Level 2 Mathematics & Physics

"Lauralee and I would also very much like to thank you for your wonderful tuition at the end of last year. Lauralee attained an Excellence in Graphs and a Merit in Algebra, which absolutely thrilled her!! This was after the teacher at school suggested she should not take Maths in Year 12 due to her poor marks during the year! We have so much to thank you for! "

Lauralee’s mother Lisa, January 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“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

"Thank you so much for setting Scarlett's tuition up this year. She has found her sessions with Ciara so helpful - we've really appreciated her help.
Regards, Amanda"

Scarlett's mother Amanda, November 2025
Year 12 Chemistry & 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

“I have achieved a Distinction in ICAS and a Year Seven maths award.
I have learnt many new strategies to help me in maths and I think that this is how I have achieved these awards.”

George, January 2016
Year 7, Mathematics

“Hi Melanie

Sam really enjoyed it and thought Sean was awesome.  His words were 'he's young and cool, and he stays on the subject, he doesn't get distracted and start talking about other things'.  So there's an honest answer from mine.  Sam is quite a social chatter so it sounds good that Sean will keep him on task. He was excited telling me about it which is what I thought as he likes one on one or in this case two to one.

I'll definitely keep you posted.  My husband dropped Sam and met Sean and he said he gets a good feeling and that we will see results.  All in all, a great first review.

Very happy indeed.  Thanks so much.”

Sam’s mother Rochelle, March 2016
Year 7, Mathematics

"Mathew is enjoying the sessions, claiming he has learnt more in 2 hours with Molly than he has learnt in 2 years with his teacher who he has had for years 10 and 11."

Mathew’s mother Ellie, October 2012
Year 11, Level 1 Mathematics

“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

“Ross found the [Calculus] exam very difficult and he said everyone felt the same. He flew through differentiation but he said the rest was very tough. Nonetheless he believes he has passed. Hope so!!

Thanks to Max for all his help and patience with Ross throughout this year. Ross really enjoyed working with Max.”

Ross’ mother Jeanie, November 2015
Year 13, Calculus

"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

“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

“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

"Sophie found it really helpful and that Aimee was great and she wants to continue. 
Soph said that they talked about one question and she didn’t understand it but now she does! So that’s a win to me."

Sophie's mother Catherine, February 2025
Year 13, 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.