The unique academic system at Bryanston enables academically gifted pupils to develop their intellectual profile in a variety of ways: inside the classroom through the curriculum, through correction periods with their teachers, through the weekly one-to-one tutorial with their tutor and also through the academic enrichment and co-curricular programme. Applications are encouraged from candidates who show academic talent in one or more subjects.

A generous number of music scholarships is offered each year for outstanding ability in any orchestral instrument, piano and organ. A choral scholarship is also offered for outstanding singers. For both scholarships, a pupil will receive free musical tuition for all their studies, optional Alexander Technique lessons and a weekly accompaniment period taken by a professional musician. Scholars are usually around Grade 8 distinction level on their first study. A music scholar must also fulfil the academic requirements of entry to the school. Potential is as important as correct level and candidates who are not yet Grade 8 standard, but show significant ability, are encouraged to apply.

Candidates who apply for a sport scholarship should be able to show talent in the school's major team sports, which include rugby, hockey, rowing, netball, cross country, tennis athletics and cricket. Candidates should have competed at county level or its equivalent in at least one of these. Talent in other sports will also be valued, but this should be combined with the above. Sports scholars are automatically enrolled on Bryanston's Performance Sport Programme (PSP) where bespoke one-to-one training plans are delivered weekly with a view to following national player pathways for specific sports.