An Education

In 1961 London, 16-year-old Jenny Mellor is determined to gain acceptance into Oxford University. Her conservative parents, particularly her strict father Jack, closely monitor her academic progress and support her ambitions, while being highly disapproving of the boys she associates with.

After a youth orchestra rehearsal, Jenny meets David Goldman at a bus stop on a rainy evening. He offers her a ride to keep her cello dry, and they engage in a long conversation about music, instantly sparking a connection between them.

David surprises Jenny by sending flowers to her home as a sweet gesture to wish her luck for an upcoming concert. This thoughtful act deepens their budding relationship and leads to Jenny accepting an invitation to join David for a concert and dinner with his affluent friends.

During the concert, Jenny is enchanted by David's sophisticated friends, especially a mentor-like figure, Helen. This experience opens Jenny's eyes to a glamorous lifestyle she longs to be a part of, leading her to spend more time with David and his circle, negatively impacting her studies.

David persuades Jenny's parents to let her accompany him on a weekend trip where they will meet her favorite author, Clive Lewis. This trip not only exposes her to cultured experiences but also leads to intimate moments between her and David without crossing sexual boundaries.

Upon returning from the trip, Jenny presents her parents with a signed copy of 'The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe', believing it to be a gift from Lewis. However, Jenny is unaware that David tricked her into thinking that their meeting with Lewis was real.

As Jenny becomes more enraptured by David, she begins to ignore the signs of his questionable lifestyle. Despite unearthing disconcerting truths about David, she remains captivated by his charm, choosing to suppress her growing concerns about their relationship.

For her 17th birthday, David takes Jenny to Paris, promising a romantic and extravagant experience. Their time in the city is filled with breathtaking sights, and they share their first intimate encounter, fulfilling Jenny's romantic fantasies.

After returning from Paris, Jenny excitedly shares her happiness with her favorite teacher, Miss Stubbs. Miss Stubbs, however, raises concerns about Jenny's relationship with David, leading to a painful confrontation between teacher and student.

Caught up in her romantic fantasies, Jenny accepts David's marriage proposal and decides to drop out of school. Her teachers express their dismay, but Jenny, blinded by love, believes that David will provide a better life for her.

Jenny's world shatters when she discovers that David is already married. This devastating revelation leads her to confront David, who promises to make things right but ultimately disappears, leaving her feeling lost and betrayed.

In search of answers, Jenny seeks out David's wife, who exposes the full extent of his deceit. This encounter serves as a harsh awakening for Jenny, compelling her to reassess her past choices and the illusion of her relationship with David.

Following her discovery of David’s true nature, Jenny reflects on her strained relationship with her father and Miss Stubbs. Her father apologizes for trusting David, prompting Jenny to seek reconciliation with her teacher and repair her path.

With renewed determination, Jenny reinstates her education and receives unwavering support from Miss Stubbs. Her hard work pays off when she ultimately gains acceptance into Oxford University, fulfilling her initial dreams.

In a reflective voiceover, Jenny expresses her newfound understanding of relationships and the wisdom gained from her tumultuous experience. Eager to start fresh, she is determined to navigate her future with greater awareness of her choices.