Bryanston aims to teach pupils not just subject content but also how to learn, how to manage their time and, as they get older, how to undertake research. In addition to class teaching there is, therefore, increasing time given to supervised private work (Assignments) as a pupil moves up the school. Academic effort and achievement and all the other activities in which a pupil has been involved are recorded on a Chart, which provides the agenda for a pupil's weekly meeting with his/her personal tutor. In this way, progress is carefully directed and monitored. In addition, individual teaching support is provided in the Sixth Form by one-to-one work review or 'correction' periods.

Every pupil is encouraged to follow as broad a curriculum as possible. In the First Year, all pupils will, if at all possible, study Latin (many from scratch), French and German as well as Physics, Biology and Chemistry. All learn an orchestral instrument free of charge in their first term. Technology is compulsory during the first three years and there are opportunities to try many different sports.

A wide range and virtually any combination of subjects can be taken at GCSE, AS and A Level and all pupils follow a carefully constructed Personal, Social and Religious Education course. Subject choices are made in consultation with parents and tutors. There is no streaming, but setting is used in a number of areas, principally Maths, Sciences and Languages.

The advantages of the Bryanston method of work are numerous. The assignment system provides the flexibility to combine a wider array of different subjects than would otherwise be the case and permits the individual timetabling of music and special tuition without the need to miss classes. Pupils receive considerable one-to-one attention in tutorials and work review periods and these discussion sessions are invaluable both in terms of academic progress and in developing communication skills.