While holding this office he was one of the witnesses on behalf of Bishop Stephen Gardiner in 1551, being then about thirty-two years of age, and was present at the disputation held with Thomas Cranmer at Oxford in 1554.
The Fellows of Eton, acting without the consent of Queen Elizabeth I of England, elected him as Provost on 25 July 1561.
Archbishop Matthew Parker was directed to hold a visitation of the college, and to inquire into the election of the provost, given his reputation.
The visitation was held on 9 September, and though Bruerne at first objected to the commission, alleging that it had expired, he finally resigned the provostship, receiving £10 compensation from the funds of the college.
At the time of his death he was receiver of Christ Church, and Thomas Sampson, the dean, told Parker that he left money to be accounted for.