 Born in Earlsdon, Coventry, White was educated at Uppingham School before going up to Pembroke College, Cambridge.He made his first-class debut for Cambridge University against Sussex in May 1936, scoring 93 (which was to remain his highest score for the university) before being out lbw to the bowling of Charles Oakes.He won his blue that season, playing in the Varsity Match at Lord's where he made 19 and 5.