Her mother was Lucy born Allen and Barbara was educated at home before attending schools in London and Manchester.
Her historical tripos and a teaching qualification enabled her to gain a master's degree from Trinity College, Dublin who did not discriminate against women.
Her success here led to her gaining a position teaching education at the University of Manchester as the "mistress of method".
[1] In 1911 she joined University College, Cardiff and her translation of Emile was published by the Everyman's Library.
[1] Foxley was an active suffragist joining the Cardiff and District Women's Suffrage Society.