 His success in life was due to William Vincent, by whose help he was admitted to Westminster School; in 1784 he was elected a king's scholar, in 1788 he became the captain of the school, and in the following year he was elected to Christ Church, Oxford, which was at that time presided over by Cyril Jackson.He took the degree of M.A.in 1796. and became a tutor of his house, where he also filled the office of censor from 1798 to 1802.