Young Roy went to Oxford too, to Balliol, where he gained a first.

ECONOMIST: Roy Jenkins

There was Lord Jenkins himself, then plain Woy, in possession of a first-class degree from Balliol College, Oxford, like his colleague Denis Healey.

ECONOMIST: Sometimes too many brains can go to your head

Chris Patten, the son of a jazz musician, attended a Roman Catholic day school in Ealing, before winning a place at Balliol College, Oxford.

BBC: Lord Patten's BBC Trust role approved by MPs

Chris Patten is the son of a jazz musician who attended a Roman Catholic day school in Ealing, before winning a place at Balliol College, Oxford.

BBC: Profile: Lord Patten