Valerie Ziani de Ferranti was born in London, England. Her family background, being the daughter of Sir Vincent de Ferranti (of Ferranti International), exposed her to the world of engineering and innovation from a young age.

Details of Valerie's specific schools are not widely available. However, growing up in a scientifically inclined family, it is likely she received a good education, fostering her interest in problem-solving and creating innovative solutions. She possibly had a more practical upbringing than formal training in the early decades of the twentieth century.