I’m Jess, a writer and English specialist driven by conflict, complex motivations, and the way characters both reflect and sharpen the nuances of their worlds. I love speculative fiction and historical drama, and I’ve also been experimenting with dark comedy-dramas where tension can turn sharp, funny, human moments into something completely unexpected. My work spans freelance writing roles, writer’s room collaboration, and script reading/coverage, alongside leadership in education as an English teacher and Deputy Department Lead, and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. My original work has garnered awards and publication, and my coverage has been received with confidence. Whether working solo or as part of a team, I’m motivated by high expectations, careful handling of sensitive information, and crafting narratives with purpose.

Jess Cotterill

I’m Jess, a writer and English specialist driven by conflict, complex motivations, and the way characters both reflect and sharpen the nuances of their worlds. I love speculative fiction and historical drama, and I’ve also been experimenting with dark comedy-dramas where tension can turn sharp, funny, human moments into something completely unexpected. My work spans freelance writing roles, writer’s room collaboration, and script reading/coverage, alongside leadership in education as an English teacher and Deputy Department Lead, and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. My original work has garnered awards and publication, and my coverage has been received with confidence. Whether working solo or as part of a team, I’m motivated by high expectations, careful handling of sensitive information, and crafting narratives with purpose.

Available to hire

I’m Jess, a writer and English specialist driven by conflict, complex motivations, and the way characters both reflect and sharpen the nuances of their worlds. I love speculative fiction and historical drama, and I’ve also been experimenting with dark comedy-dramas where tension can turn sharp, funny, human moments into something completely unexpected.

My work spans freelance writing roles, writer’s room collaboration, and script reading/coverage, alongside leadership in education as an English teacher and Deputy Department Lead, and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. My original work has garnered awards and publication, and my coverage has been received with confidence. Whether working solo or as part of a team, I’m motivated by high expectations, careful handling of sensitive information, and crafting narratives with purpose.

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Work Experience

Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead (DDSL) at OneSchool Global - Ashbrook Campus
September 1, 2024 - Present
Deputy safeguarding role focused on protecting children in line with Keeping Children Safe in Education and relevant safeguarding initiatives. Leads training sessions for stakeholders and handles sensitive information with discretion and GDPR compliance.
Teacher of English (Assistant Head of Department as of Jan 2026) at OneSchool Global - Ashbrook Campus
September 1, 2022 - Present
English teacher and LAMDA specialist within a global educational setting with strict ethos and high expectations for pupils and staff. Leads curriculum modules, manages data and reporting, and communicates effectively with stakeholders including colleagues, pupils, parents, governors, senior leadership, and carers.
Part-time Supply Teacher at Various
September 1, 2021 - July 1, 2022
Supply teaching across all key stages on changing locations and school policies. Rapidly adapts to new environments while maintaining pedagogical and pastoral support for pupils in care.
Intern (Production and Development Assistant) at Magnetic Labs Media (formerly 141 Entertainment)
July 1, 2021 - July 1, 2022
Researched development and production opportunities; checked rights and acquisition terms for potential material. Produced script readings and coverage reports, prepared for and attended pitch meetings, managed diaries, sourced collaborative contacts, and researched co-production legislation while liaising with clients.
Co-screenwriter and Script Reader at Untitled Feature | ThreeTwo Productions
August 1, 2020 - August 1, 2023
Works with a scripting team and head writer in weekly development meetings. Drafts, reviews, and edits scripts; adapts characters and dialogue based on biographical source text; collaborates on budget/location allowances and produces final edits.
Writer (Article for industry site) at My First Job in Film (publication)
May 1, 2020 - May 31, 2020
Wrote and submitted an industry-recruitment article published in May 2020.
Teacher of English and Film at St. Benedict’s Catholic High School and Sixth Form
September 1, 2019 - July 1, 2021
Taught pupils aged 11–18 across abilities in English and Film. Prepared lessons and resources, collaborated with leadership teams, interpreted data, and wrote reports.
Runner and Script Reader at Big Talk Productions
August 1, 2019 - September 1, 2019
Supported office operations on placement: greeted guests and staff, ran errands and performed light admin/logistics tasks (deliveries, binding, etc.), completed script reading, and helped maintain building readiness and call scheduling.
Runner (on location) at Chateau Impney Hill Climb | HayFisher Productions
July 1, 2018 - September 1, 2018
Worked on location with producer, sound crew, and presenter to capture interviews. Scheduled interviews, sourced and transported sound equipment, and completed release forms.
Barmaid and Waitress at The Golden Cross Hotel, Worcestershire
November 1, 2017 - August 1, 2018
Front-of-house service in a busy hospitality setting, including customer service and cash handling while multitasking in a high-throughput environment.

Education

PGCE (Secondary English) at University of Worcester
January 1, 2019 - January 1, 2020
BA Honours (Film and Literature) at University of Warwick
September 1, 2014 - July 1, 2017
A Levels at North Bromsgrove Sixth Form College
September 1, 2012 - August 31, 2014

Qualifications

CFG JavaScript Course
January 1, 2024 - August 13, 2026
British Red Cross First Aid Course
January 1, 2024 - August 13, 2026
PGCE (Secondary English)
January 1, 2019 - August 13, 2026

Industry Experience

Education, Media & Entertainment, Professional Services