Awdry was born on 15 June 1911 in Ampfield, Hampshire, England. He was raised in Box, Wiltshire, England. Awdry was educated at Marlborough House School, Sussex (1919–24), Dauntseys School, West Lavington, Wiltshire (1924–9); St Peter's Hall, Oxford (BA, 1932), and Wycliffe Hall, Oxford.