Brent is primarily and essentially a college preparatory institution. Hence, it admits only college-bound students. Applicants are admitted and maintained on the basis of their ability to meet the academic, moral, and behavioral standards of the School.

Students are officially admitted and placed in an appropriate grade only after standardized placement tests have been given to them by the Director of Admissions to determine their scholastic abilities. Since Brent School primarily seeks to prepare students for colleges throughout the world, it is expected that every Upper School student will work towards acquiring a Brent School Diploma.