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.

"Hey Mel, just thought I’d tell you I ended up getting a merit in human evolution and achieved in gene expression and patterns of evolution :) thank you so much for all last year’s help. Hope you have a great year!"

Sarah, January 2012
Year 13, Biology

"Thanks very much for your support in finding a tutor for Rebecca. Rebecca is off to study Law and International Relations in Wellington next year and she is fortunate to have been granted a $10,000 excellence scholarship to attend. The success of which is in part due to the tutoring assistance she has received.

We have really appreciated the friendly yet professional way you run your business and Rebecca has found both her tutors to be very good. We were introduced to AHeadStart through word of mouth and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend AHeadStart to others."

Rebecca’s mother Noreen, November 2012
Year 13, Level 3 Calculus

“Michelle has been a fantastic tutor over the past 2 years. Thank you so very much for your wonderful service. I will highly recommend your company to anyone I come across that is looking for tutoring.”

Olivia’s mother Allison, May 2015
Year 11, Mathematics

"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

“Jedd is dyslexic and needed assistance with implementing and understanding what he was learning at school.
Jedd's school report was excellent and he achieved "above the standard" results in many of the assessed areas which was impressive for Jedd!”

Jedd’s mother, January 2016
Year 10, 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

“[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

“I can't thank Joe enough for all he has done with George! We are happy to see that he has regained his confidence with Joe's help. I am sure it has not been easy to get a 9 year old to want to do an hour’s maths work after school but he has done an amazing job at making it fun and interesting. I am sure George will miss seeing him on Thursdays.”

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

“The workshops have been great for William- let's see how his results are! I know he's got a lot out of each one - well at least he tells me he has.

Thanks very much to you and your team for what you offer.

Michelle”

William’s mother Michelle, November 2016
Year 13 Calculus & Year 12 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

"We have nothing but the highest praise for Hannah. She is an excellent teacher and Monny really likes her very much.

I have to say, I was a bit nervous signing up to have students for tutors. I just wasn't sure they would have the skills/ maturity to manage someone not much younger than them and our previous experience with tutors has been with ex-teachers. I couldn't have been more wrong!!!. We are delighted with both Hannah and John. Monny really likes the fact that they are close to her own age as she feels she can relate to them."

Monica’s mother Karen, October 2012
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry & Mathematics

“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

"Matthew is loving his time with Daniel and even told me last night that he now really enjoys maths!!! That is a huge compliment coming from Matthew. Met Daniel last week and he is a delight and a real credit to you."

Matthew’s mother Heather, February 2012
Year 11, Level 1 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

“Thank you so much for all the help you have given me with bio and stats this year. I’ve enjoyed the funny yet shockingly bad jokes and thank you for putting up with my countless blonde moments. I look forward to seeing you next year.”

Anna, November 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Biology & Mathematics

"Tuition really helped me with physics and chemistry. In my chemistry and physics internals I found the tuition Melanie provided helped me work out harder problems and understand them, and therefore I was pleased with my results."

Georgie, December 2008
Year 12, Level 2 Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics & Physics

“River said he found the Stats tutoring extremely helpful. He was really buoyed when he got home. He's looking forward to the next five sessions.”

River’s mother Yvonne, September 2015
Year 13, Statistics

“We wanted to let you know that Alice received her IB results this week, which included a very pleasing 6 out of a possible 7 for Physics, a subject that she was struggling with earlier in the course and which in Year 12 her teacher thought she might only achieve a 4 or possibly 5 in. Please would you forward this to Hamish as we promised to let him know how she got on.

Alice would be the first to say how much she owed to Hamish's support and guidance in their weekly sessions so thank you very much for finding such an excellent tutor for her, we are convinced it made the crucial difference in her understanding. If Hamish ever needs a testimonial from the parents' point of view we would be very happy to provide one.”

Alice’s mother Jane, January 2015
Year 13, IB Physics

"Hi Melanie. It’s Nick. Just letting you know I got 63% for my maths test. Yes! A few silly mistake, so I could have done better but anyway 63 is better than a 0!"

Nick, June 2012
Level 100 Mathematics

"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

"Eva just texted with her physics result. One mark off excellence, and half the class failed. I am so relieved that we have Max on board. He is fabulous. [Eva] was one of the few pupils who had even seen some important model thing, and this was only because Max had gone through it with her. Thank goodness for Max!"

Eva’s mother Frances, June 2015
Year 12, Level 2 Chemistry & Physics

"Great news I past my final Web assignment 78%. I quickly texted Joran with the news.
I have completed the 6th module passing intermediate computer course L3.

Megan was very helpful discussing article critique and referencing. We will meet same time going over referencing.
The Canterbury Uni library was interesting and I even had a look at the bookstore. "

Karen, July 2025
Postgrad Digital Technology, then Research

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

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

"Yea Sophie loved it. By the way, Maths is by far and away the toughest thing for Sophie. Prior to her tutoring Sophie's last exam resulted in an achieved. The good news is since getting Kelly's help, Sophie just received four excellence credits on her latest maths test. Please accept our heartfelt thanks to you and Kelly."

Sophie’s father Simon, June 2012
Year 12, Level 2 Mathematics

“Thanks so much Melanie for everything you have done for Georgia this year. Hoping that Georgia can continue her tutoring with you if you are available next year.”

Georgia’s mother Louisa, November 2015
Year 11, 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.