she was privately educated at the francis holland school, an independent girls' school at clarence gate in london. during her time there she was elected as head girl. winner gained a bachelor of science hons. degree in physiology from university college london. she then studied medicine at the university college hospital medical school. she graduated with the bachelor of medicine, bachelor of surgery degree as well as the university of london gold medal in 1933. she also played for the university's tennis team. winner followed this with an md in 1934.