NCEATutor NZ Complete Tutoring Marketplace
A full-stack NCEA tutoring marketplace with advanced search, intelligent matching algorithms, payment processing, and comprehensive tutor/student dashboards. Achieved 86% performance improvement through MongoDB optimisation and Next.js 15 features.
86%
Performance Improvement
Database query optimisation (855ms → 120ms)
100%
Security Hardening
Comprehensive CSRF, rate limiting, and auth
1 Month
Development Timeline
From concept to production launch
$19
Transaction Fee
Stripe-powered payment processing
The Challenge
Building a production-ready education platform with complex matching algorithms, secure payment processing, and enterprise-grade performance.
Performance at Scale
Initial search queries taking 855ms with in-memory sorting. Needed to support hundreds of tutors with complex filtering across subjects, levels, locations, and price ranges while maintaining sub-200ms response times.
Complex Matching Algorithm
NCEA level ladder system required sophisticated matching logic where higher-level tutors (L3, Scholarship) can teach lower levels, but not vice versa. Needed intelligent ranking with verified badges and beta founder boosts.
Security & Compliance
Ed-tech platform requiring secure authentication, CSRF protection, rate limiting, payment processing compliance, and secure handling of student/tutor data with proper validation and sanitization.
Payment Integration
Seamless Stripe integration for $19 finder's fee with webhook handling, payment status tracking, automated intro emails, and proper error handling for failed transactions or webhook delays.
Our Solution
Modern tech stack with performance optimisation, comprehensive security, and intelligent algorithms for seamless user experience.
MongoDB Aggregation Pipelines
Replaced in-memory sorting with database-level aggregation pipelines. Implemented compound indexes for subject/level/location/price queries. Achieved 86% performance optimisation (855ms → 120ms) with server-side pagination.
Next.js 15 Optimisation
Leveraged React 18 server components, Next.js Image optimisation with responsive sizing, 2-minute cache revalidation, and priority loading for hero images. Implemented skeleton loading states for smooth UX.
Comprehensive Security
Implemented bcrypt password hashing (12 salt rounds), JWT tokens with 7-day expiry, CSRF tokens with HMAC signatures, endpoint-specific rate limiting, security headers (CSP, HSTS, COEP, COOP), and Zod validation.
Intelligent Matching System
Built NCEA level ladder algorithm, ranking system with verified badge boosts, beta founder priority, review saturation scoring, and localStorage persistence for student requests to prevent data loss.
AI + Human Support System
Integrated OpenRouter-powered AI chatbot for 24/7 instant responses using our open-source chat widget. When users request human help, messages route via Telegram webhook to the support team who can respond directly—customers see replies in real-time.
View Open Source WidgetKey Features
Comprehensive platform features designed for both students and tutors
- Multi-criteria filtering (subject, level, city, online, price range)
- Intelligent sorting (best match, rating, price)
- Real-time URL updates with query parameters
- Server-side pagination with customizable results per page
- Level ladder algorithm (L3 tutors can teach L2/L1)
- Verified tutor badge boosting in rankings
- Beta founder priority placement
- Review saturation scoring for credibility
- Smart AI chatbot powered by OpenRouter (free tier)
- Instant answers to common questions 24/7
- Seamless handoff to human support when needed
- Telegram webhook integration for real-time human responses
- $19 finder's fee via Stripe Checkout
- Secure webhook handling for payment confirmation
- Automated intro emails connecting parents and tutors
- Payment status tracking and error recovery
- Profile editing (bio, rate, availability, location)
- Subject management with built-in and custom options
- Document uploads (PDFs, images) with public visibility toggle
- Password management and secure authentication
Technology Stack
Modern, scalable technologies for enterprise-grade performance
Next.js 15
Frontend Framework
React 18
UI Library
TypeScript 5.7
Programming Language
FastAPI
Backend Framework
Python 3.12+
Backend Language
MongoDB
Database
Stripe
Payment Processing
OpenRouter AI
AI Chatbot
Telegram API
Human Support
Cloudflare R2
File Storage
shadcn/ui
Component Library
Tailwind CSS
Styling
Project Timeline
From concept to production in 1 month
Discovery & Architecture
Requirements gathering, database schema design, API architecture planning, and tech stack selection
Core Platform & Auth
User authentication, tutor profiles, search infrastructure, MongoDB optimisation, and NCEA matching algorithm
Payments & Dashboard
Stripe integration, webhook handling, tutor dashboard, profile editing, document uploads, and email automation
Security, Testing & Launch
Security hardening, rate limiting, comprehensive testing, Vercel deployment, and production go-live
Production Ready
NCEATutor NZ is now live in production, serving students and tutors across New Zealand with fast, secure, and reliable platform performance.
Ready to Build Your Platform?
Let's create a fast, secure, and scalable solution for your business. From concept to production, we handle the full development lifecycle.