Lucy Powell's Oxford Departure and Educational Background
UK politician Lucy Powell previously stated she left Oxford University due to its elitism, a claim that has seen some contradiction from former classmates.
Lucy Powell, who was appointed Education Secretary in July, previously stated that she dropped out of Oxford University because she found it to be too elitist.
Born and raised in Didsbury, a suburb of south Manchester where she continues to reside, Powell attended Beaver Road primary and Parrs Wood High School. The latter institution is also the alma mater of fellow Cabinet minister Lisa Nandy. Parrs Wood High School was recently described as 'the new Eton' by the Manchester Evening News.
During a recent speech, Powell, 52, shared that she comes from a family of 'school leaders,' and that being among academy heads felt akin to a 'family gathering.' Her mother led a multi-academy trust, and her grandfather, two aunts, and an uncle were also heads. One aunt was recognized with a CBE for her contributions.
Powell studied A-levels in mathematics, further mathematics, physics, and chemistry at Xaverian College, a Catholic institution in Manchester. She had previously claimed to be the sole student from her sixth form of 2,000 to secure a place at Oxford in that year. However, this assertion has been contradicted by former classmates, prompting her spokesperson to state that she was 'more than happy to be corrected.'
Upon arriving at Somerville College to study chemistry, Powell withdrew after one year and transferred to King's College, London. She reflected on her time at Oxford last year, saying, 'Oxford was not for a state school girl from the North doing maths and chemistry. I was like a duck out of water.'