[10] He later studied Christian leadership at St Mellitus College in London, graduating with a Master of Arts (MA) degree in 2019.

[16] He was then diocesan missioner for the Diocese of Wakefield and finally, before his ordination to the episcopate,[17] canon pastor at Peterborough Cathedral.

I hope and pray that my love for and understanding of the different traditions of the Church of England will enable me to be a focus for unity in the Reading Episcopal area."

He was consecrated on 4 May 2004 by Rowan Williams, Archbishop of Canterbury, at St Paul's Cathedral,[19][20] following confirmation of the appointment by letters patent.

[24] The confirmation of his election, by which he legally took office, was held on 9 July, and his enthronement took place at York Minster during a service of Evensong on 18 October.

[29] In December 2024, BBC Radio 4's File on Four programme conducted an investigation into abuse perpetrated by Anglican priest David Tudor.

Cottrell faced calls to resign over his handling of the safeguarding case during his tenure as Bishop of Chelmsford.

Despite this, Tudor was allowed to remain in his position and was made an honorary canon of Chelmsford Cathedral, a decision Cottrell's office regretted in 2024.

Cottrell's office claimed that the payment admitted no liability and that he was guided by legal advice to take no further action.

The Bishop of Newcastle, Helen-Ann Hartley, called for Cottrell's resignation, as his handling of the case undermined his credibility to lead the Church.

The victim known as Jessica also considers that Cottrell should leave the Church due to his failure to act on the abuse allegations.

Cottrell's spokesman defended the archbishop's actions, stating he was in an "invidious situation" and lacked the legal power to dismiss Tudor.