Graduate Software Developer

Abingdon School; Oxford; On-site; GBP 31,000; Full time

Job summary

A prestigious independent school in Oxford is seeking a Graduate Software Developer to join their team. This entry-level role provides an opportunity for recent graduates to develop skills in designing and building web applications using Python and Django, in a supportive environment. The position offers competitive benefits including 25 days paid time off, a generous pension scheme, and opportunities for continuous learning. Applications welcome from diverse backgrounds.

Benefits

25 days paid time off

Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution

Private healthcare insurance

Free use of leisure facilities

Discounted school fees

Flexible working from home options

Qualifications

• Recent or upcoming completion of a relevant degree programme.
• Interest in software design and building practical tools.
• Curiosity and motivation to learn new technologies.

Responsibilities

• Design, build, and maintain web applications.
• Work with APIs and contribute to digital transformation.
• Gain experience in the full software development lifecycle.

Skills

Basic understanding of programming (preferably Python)

Relational databases (SQL)

Interest in web development

Problem-solving ability

Good communication skills

Education

Relevant degree programme (e.g. Computer Science)

Job description

Abingdon School is seeking a dedicated Graduate Software Developer to join the team.

Location: Abingdon School, OX14 1DE

Job Type: Full Time, Permanent

Working Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:30 am 5:00 pm

Salary: £30,049 per annum

Closing Date: Friday 05 December 2025 (Midday)

About Us

The Foundation comprises two schools: Abingdon School and Abingdon Prep School, as well as Abingdon School Enterprises. Abingdon School is a leading independent day and boarding school with more than 1,000 pupils aged 11‑18. Currently a boys school, it will become co‑educational from September 2026.

Abingdon Prep School is a vibrant and warm day preparatory school with around 200 pupils aged 4‑13 which has been co‑educational since last year. Both Schools are situated in beautiful and extensive grounds, with the senior school in the heart of Abingdon on Thames, just south of Oxford, and the Prep School located a few miles away in nearby Frilford.

Graduate Software Developer - The Role

This role forms part of the School s long‑running Graduate Developer Programme, which has successfully developed early‑career developers since 2017. It is designed for a recent graduate looking to begin their professional journey in software development, working within a small but highly skilled internal team.

The successful candidate will learn to design, build, and maintain web applications used throughout the Abingdon Foundation and across associated commercial software platforms. This includes developing new tools in Python and Django, working with APIs, and contributing to the ongoing digital transformation of the School s operations.

Working closely with the IT Director and other developers, the postholder will gain practical experience in the full software development lifecycle, including testing, deployment, version control, and the use of modern AI‑assisted development tools such as Cursor and OpenAI APIs. Over a three‑to‑four‑year period, this role provides a clear pathway from graduate to experienced developer.

Graduate Software Developer - You

• Recent or upcoming completion of a relevant degree programme (e.g. Computer Science, Computing, or a related discipline)
• Basic understanding of programming (preferably Python) and relational databases (SQL)
• Interest in web development, software design, and building practical tools for real‑world use
• Motivation to learn new technologies and continuously develop skills
• Curiosity, independence, and strong problem‑solving ability
• Good communication skills and the ability to engage with both technical and non‑technical colleagues
• Awareness of how web applications connect and exchange data through APIs and RESTful interfaces, and interest in learning how to integrate with external systems

Graduate Software Developer - Benefits

• You’ll get 25 days off paid time off each year plus bank holidays
• Up to 14.1% employer pension contribution
• Abingdon Foundation Death in Service Scheme
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Private healthcare insurance
• We may be able to offer flexible working from home
• Free use of leisure facilities with discounted exercise classes
• Free lunches during term time
• Cycle to work scheme
• Christmas closure days
• Discounted school fees (eligibility criteria apply)
• There are regular staff social events and opportunities to join other staff
• We offer free on‑site parking and bike storage for all staff
• We offer a range of online and in‑person courses to staff for free including first aid, mental health first aid and health and safety courses

We aim to ensure that our staffing at all levels and in all roles is diverse and we welcome applications from all backgrounds and all sections of the community.

Abingdon is committed to safeguarding the welfare of children and young people and expects all staff to share this commitment. All appointments are subject to a satisfactory enhanced DBS check.

Interview date: Wednesday 10 December 2025

To submit your application for this Graduate Software Developer opportunity, please click Apply now!