Old Hallfieldian Robert Walker Returns for a Special Visit

Published by Hallfield School on Sunday 15th of February 2026

We were delighted to welcome back Old Hallfieldian Robert Walker and his wife Jackie for a memorable visit, as he returned to the school he attended from 1948 to 1954. Now based in Oxfordshire, Robert travelled to Birmingham to reconnect with the place that shaped his early years. His time at Hallfield spanned the post-war period, and he reflected fondly on his experiences — particularly his final two years as a boarder, when wartime rationing was still in place and school meals were very different from those enjoyed by pupils today!

After leaving Hallfield aged 13, Robert attended St Paul’s in London. After school, he trained as an accountant before embarking on a pioneering career in computing. He went on to work with some of the earliest computers, at a time when the field was still in its infancy and technology was rapidly evolving.

Robert and Jackie toured the school, taking in both familiar landmarks and impressive new developments. They were amazed by the transformation of the campus and the breadth of modern facilities, including the radio room, , multi-purpose hall, and specialist learning spaces such as the art room, science lab and DT room.  A particularly nostalgic highlight was the Creative Cottage. Robert remembered when the building served as the home of Mr and Mrs Fisher, both teachers at the school during his time. Mr Fisher – a keen ‘ferroequinologist’ (train enthusiast!)  – had an elaborate model train set that the boys delighted in playing with. Today, the building has been beautifully reimagined as the Creative Cottage, housing a magical Pre-Prep art room and library, giving the historic space a vibrant new purpose.

During the tour, Robert took the opportunity to speak with Seniors who were taking part in a coding lesson. They were fascinated to hear first-hand about his work in the early days of computing and baffled to learn that computers that were as big as entire classrooms ran on just 8kb of memory! In the Year 4 classroom, hands shot up to ask Robert a range of thoughtful and enthusiastic questions, where children were curious to learn about school life in the 1940s and 50s.

Following the tour, the couple enjoyed tea with the Head Master in his study before joining Mr Morrow and the Head Pupils for a special ‘Golden Table’ lunch. Conversations ranged from memories of post-war boarding life to the opportunities available to pupils today.

Robert expressed how much he had enjoyed seeing familiar sights alongside the many exciting changes, and how special it was to share his experiences with current pupils — from the youngest learners to those preparing for the future in an increasingly digital world.

If you’re an Old Hallfieldian who would like to return for a visit, contact us.