Some HE challenges aren’t content problems
For complex workflows, sensitive data, or application-level logic such as research recruitment, mentoring platforms, or internal systems, we design and build bespoke systems that sit alongside WordPress or operate independently. These are purpose-built, auditable, and designed for long-term use without forcing everything into a CMS.
When the problem isn’t publishing
Some higher education challenges don’t fit comfortably into a content management system.
These are situations where workflows are complex, data is sensitive, logic matters, and long-term correctness is more important than speed of delivery. Examples include research recruitment platforms, mentoring systems, internal tools, and application-led services that sit alongside institutional websites.
In these cases, forcing everything into WordPress increases risk rather than reducing it. Our role is to recognise that boundary early and design systems that are purpose-built, auditable, and sustainable over time.
Designed for responsibility, not experimentation
Bespoke systems often support critical functions: research participation, safeguarding processes, regulated workflows, or services that people rely on directly. Our approach prioritises:
Clarity of purpose
Defining exactly what the system must do, and what it should not do.
Clear boundaries
Separating publishing, application logic, and data responsibilities.
Long-term maintainability
Designing systems that can be understood, supported, and evolved over time.
Institutional fit
Aligning with governance, risk tolerance, and internal team capacity.
We don’t build speculative platforms or experimental technology for its own sake. Every bespoke system is designed to be explainable, defensible, and appropriate to its context.
Working alongside WordPress
In many cases, bespoke systems sit alongside WordPress rather than replacing it.
WordPress often remains the right tool for publishing, communications, and content-led experiences. Bespoke systems handle the application layer such as workflows, logic, permissions, and data, where a CMS would be stretched beyond its strengths.
We design these systems to integrate cleanly, with clear separation of concerns, so each platform does what it’s best suited for. This avoids over-engineering, reduces risk, and keeps teams confident in how systems interact.
Who bespoke systems are right for
Our bespoke systems work is best suited to teams who:
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Are responsible for workflows that don’t fit a CMS model
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Need confidence in data handling, permissions, and logic
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Want systems that will be supported and understood over time
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Value clear judgement about when bespoke development is justified
Who we’ve worked with
We’ve delivered successful projects with organisations across the public, academic and research sectors, including:
University of Surrey
Our mentoring platform provides a safe and supported environment for conversations, helping Surrey’s outreach programme run smoothly and securely. Matching mentees with mentors, the platform has strong safeguarding principles to promote online safety.
University of Southampton
Working with the University’s clinical trials unit, we’ve developed patient recruitment platforms for five successful trials. From Covid19 treatments through to early-detection cancer studies.
Future Plus
The Future Plus sustainability platform helps organisations quantify, understand and improve their sustainability across five core themes. Built with Laravel, it’s taken Future Plus from startup through to Series A investment.
Carbon Squirrel
Developed by 10 Degrees, Carbon Squirrel is a platform to measure website carbon emissions. Using our extensive web sustainability knowledge, users can manage and report on their website emissions in order to reduce carbon, improve performance and meet sustainability objectives.
Areas of expertise within bespoke systems
We helped our clients with:
- Application-led workflows: We design systems around real processes such as recruitment, mentoring, or internal approvals where logic, permissions, and state matter.
- Data-sensitive platforms: We build systems where data integrity, auditability, and appropriate access controls are essential, with careful consideration of risk and responsibility.
- Integration-aware architecture: We design bespoke systems that integrate with existing platforms and services where appropriate, without creating tight coupling or brittle dependencies.
- Maintainable backend systems: We build backend systems that are structured, documented, and designed for long-term support and not just initial delivery.
- Clear ownership and evolution paths: Every system is designed with future change in mind, including who owns it, how it evolves, and how risk is managed over time.
Testimonials
From the outset, it was clear that we were fortunate to work with a team that not only possessed the technical expertise but also listened and shared our vision and commitment to excellence.
Dr. Adeniyi Olagunju
Senior Lecturer, University of Liverpool
When 10 Degrees delivered our SAFE-D project, the entire Southampton CTU team wished we had another project we could immediately start working on with them! The post-go live support has proven to be as responsive, creative and competent as the design and development side of their business.
Angelica Cazaly
Trial Manager, Southampton CTU
The 10 Degrees support team are extremely knowledgeable and always ready and willing to assist with both development tasks and issue resolution. They can diagnose problems and implement solutions quickly, which minimises any potential disruptions to our website.
Clair Mooney
Marketing Manager