Heywood was born Frances Dora Weaver in Brentford, North east London, to an itinerant Methodist preacher.

Heywood won the Arnott Scholarship which allowed her to get a degree in chemistry from Bedford College, University of London in 1924.

After college she got a position as Assistant Metallurgist in Harley, Surrey for the Lanston Monotype Company Ltd.

Heywood also supported the education of women and contributed to the Central Employment Bureau girl's career guide on engineering.

[1][5][3] She introduced fellow metallurgist Ella Mary Collin to the work of the organisation.