reynolds was born on 29 march 1958 in alston, cumbria, england. from 1969 to 1976, she was educated at rugby high school for girls, an all-girls grammar school in rugby, warwickshire. she studied geography and land economy at newnham college, cambridge. she graduated from the university of cambridge with a first class bachelor of arts (ba) degree in 1979; as per tradition, her ba was later promoted to a master of arts (ma cantab) degree. from 1980 to 1981, she undertook postgraduate study at the university of cambridge. she graduated with a master of philosophy (mphil) degree in land economy; a cambridge mphil is equivalent to a taught master of arts degree from non-ancient universities.