From 1884 to 1888, he studied theology at Wadham College, Oxford, graduating with a second class honours Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree.

[5] In the same year, he joined St John's College, Oxford as a senior scholar and Hebrew lecturer.

[3] He was additionally curate of University Church of St Mary the Virgin, Oxford, from 1894 to 1896, and Rector of Beaconsfield, Buckinghamshire from 1896 to 1899.

[5] From 1899 to 1908, Cooke was the private chaplain to the Duke of Buccleuch, based at Dalkeith Palace, Midlothian, Scotland.

[3] Cooke resigned his Oxford posts in 1936, and returned to parish ministry as rector of Bettiscombe, a small village in Dorset.