Childhood and Education Journey of Emma Watson in Timeline

Discover the defining moments in the early life of Emma Watson. From birth to education, explore key events.

Emma Watson is an English actress recognized for her performances in both mainstream and independent films. She's garnered numerous awards, including a Young Artist Award and three MTV Movie Awards. Watson has consistently ranked among the highest-paid actresses globally, as acknowledged by Forbes and Vanity Fair. Time magazine recognized her influence by naming her one of the 100 most influential people in the world in 2015. Furthermore, Forbes included her in their 30 Under 30 list in both 2015 and 2016.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

April 1990: Born in Paris

On 15 April 1990, Emma Charlotte Duerre Watson was born in Paris, France, to English lawyers Jacqueline Luesby and Chris Watson.

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2003: Left Dragon School

In 2003, Emma Watson left Dragon School, marking a transition in her education as she moved on to Headington School, Oxford.

June 2006: Took GCSE School Examinations

In June 2006, Emma Watson took GCSE school examinations in ten subjects, achieving eight A* and two A grades, demonstrating her academic abilities.

May 2007: Took AS Levels

In May 2007, Emma Watson took AS levels in English, Geography, Art, and History of Art, continuing her secondary education alongside her acting career.

March 2011: Deferred Course at Brown University

In March 2011, after 18 months at Brown University, Emma Watson announced she was deferring her course for "a semester or two", balancing her education with her acting career.

2013: Watson became certified to teach yoga and meditation

In 2013, Emma Watson became certified to teach yoga and meditation, which included a week-long silent meditation course in Canada.

May 2014: Graduated from Brown University

In May 2014, Emma Watson graduated from Brown University with a bachelor's degree in English literature, balancing her acting career with her education.

July 2014: Appointed UN Women Goodwill ambassador

In July 2014, Emma Watson was appointed as a UN Women Goodwill ambassador, marking a significant step in her advocacy for gender equality and women's rights.

November 2014: Watson designed a Paddington Bear statue for charity auction

In November 2014, Emma Watson designed a Paddington Bear statue, which was one of fifty statues located around London and auctioned to raise funds for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC).

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2014: Watson described herself as a spiritual universalist

In 2014, Emma Watson described herself as a spiritual universalist when asked about her faith.

January 2015: Watson gave a speech about gender equality at the World Economic Forum

In January 2015, Emma Watson gave a speech about gender equality at the World Economic Forum's annual winter meeting, continuing her advocacy on the global stage.

2015: Watson tops AskMen list and included in Time 100

In 2015, Emma Watson was ranked first on the AskMen "Top 99 Outstanding Women 2015" list and included on the Time 100 list of the world's most influential people, recognizing her impact and influence.

2015: Malala Yousafzai declares herself a feminist after hearing Watson's speech

In 2015, Malala Yousafzai stated that she decided to call herself a feminist after hearing Emma Watson's speech, indicating the impact and influence of Watson's advocacy.

January 2016: Watson starts a feminist Goodreads book club: Our Shared Shelf

In January 2016, Emma Watson started a feminist Goodreads book club named Our Shared Shelf, aimed at sharing feminist ideas and encouraging discussion. The first book selected was My Life on the Road by Gloria Steinem.

My Life on the Road

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February 2016: Taking a Break from Acting

In February 2016, Emma Watson announced she was taking a year-long break from acting to focus on personal development and women's rights work.

February 2016: Watson was appointed visiting fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University

In February 2016, Emma Watson was appointed a visiting fellow at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford University, recognizing her contributions and engagement with academia.

2016: Watson visited Malawi on International Day of the Girl Child

On 2016 International Day of the Girl Child, Emma Watson visited Malawi to meet with traditional chiefs and girls who returned to school after being freed from child marriage, supporting education for girls.

March 2017: Watson received backlash for Vanity Fair photo shoot

In March 2017, Emma Watson received backlash for a Vanity Fair photo shoot where she was accused of hypocrisy due to partial visibility of her breasts; she responded by emphasizing feminism is about freedom and equality.

February 2018: Watson donated to Time's Up UK

In February 2018, Emma Watson donated £1 million to Time's Up UK, demonstrating her commitment to combating sexual harassment and promoting equality.

July 2019: Watson helped launch a legal helpline for sexual harassment victims

In July 2019, Emma Watson helped launch a legal helpline for individuals who have experienced sexual harassment in the workplace, in partnership with Rights of Women.

2019: Researchers analyzed Watson's carbon footprint

In 2019, Swedish researchers from Lund University analyzed the carbon footprints of ten celebrities including Emma Watson's. Watson's carbon footprint was the lowest of the celebrities analyzed, but her CO2 emissions from flying alone was still 15.1 tons of CO2.

January 2020: Our Shared Shelf ceases updates

In January 2020, Emma Watson's feminist Goodreads book club, Our Shared Shelf, ceased updates but continued to be open as a discussion board for recommendations.

June 2020: Watson shared anti-racism resources and interviewed Reni Eddo-Lodge

In June 2020, Emma Watson shared anti-racism educational resources on social media and interviewed Reni Eddo-Lodge for a podcast about her book Why I'm No Longer Talking to White People About Race, showing support for the Black Lives Matter movement.

Why I’m No Longer Talking to White People About Race

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July 2020: Watson partnered to reimagine the London Underground Map

In July 2020, Emma Watson partnered with Lodge and the WOW Foundation to reimagine the London Underground Map, renaming stops to highlight influential women and non-binary individuals.

2020: Future Career Plans Discussed

In 2020, Emma Watson discussed her future career plans, expressing a desire to amplify more voices and focus on activism, with fewer red carpets and more conference meetings.

June 2021: Watson invested in FabricNano

In June 2021, it was reported that Emma Watson was part of a group of investors funding $12.5 million into FabricNano, a startup developing sustainable alternatives to petrochemical products.

2021: Watson hosted a panel on climate change at the United Nations Climate Change Conference

At the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow, Emma Watson hosted a panel on climate change with guests including climate activist Greta Thunberg.

2021: Refuting Engagement and Retirement Reports

In 2021, Emma Watson and her representatives refuted reports of her engagement or retirement, citing continued social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic as the reason for her relative public absence.

2021: Watson calls for women to be included in climate change decision-making roles

In 2021, Emma Watson was among the 400 signatories in a letter urging the UK government to include women in decision-making roles at the 2021 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Glasgow.

January 2022: Watson received backlash for pro-Palestine Instagram post

In January 2022, Emma Watson received backlash after posting a pro-Palestinian image on Instagram, with some critics accusing her of antisemitism, leading to widespread debate and support from other figures.

2022: Reunion for Harry Potter 20th Anniversary Special

In 2022, Emma Watson reunited with multiple cast members of the Harry Potter film series for an HBO Max special titled "Harry Potter 20th Anniversary: Return to Hogwarts".

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2023: Began a Masters course at the University of Oxford

In 2023, Emma Watson began a Master of Studies in creative writing at the University of Oxford, matriculating at Lady Margaret Hall.

2025: Progressed to studying a DPhil

In 2025, Emma Watson completed the requirements for her Masters and progressed to studying a DPhil at the University of Oxford, continuing her post-graduate studies.