Bulman went to Battersea Grammar School in 1910, but wishing to study geology, which the school did not teach, he became an evening, and later day, student at Chelsea Polytechnic. He gained a London University scholarship in 1920 and went to Imperial College to study geology and zoology.
Bulman attended Battersea Grammar School in 1910 but lacked access to geology education there.  He became an evening and later day student at Chelsea Polytechnic to pursue his interest in the subject. He was awarded a scholarship from London University in 1920, allowing him to study geology and zoology at Imperial College.