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Catholic secondary education in the Bedford Park region of Perth began in 1936 when the Irish Christian Brothers opened a school for boys in Highgate. In 1941, the Dominican Sisters opened a school for girls in Bedford. In 1959, the Christian Brothers opened another school for boys in Bedford.The three schools flourished for many years, until the declining numbers of Brothers and Sisters and economic pressures moved the two Religious Orders and the Catholic Education Commission of Western Australia to establish a single co-educational school.

Chisholm Catholic College opened in February, 1989, with the motto, "Grow in Christ", and 1287 secondary students. The Christian Brothers' Highgate site was sold, the Dominican Sisters' Bedford site became the Years 11, 12 campus and the Christian Brothers' Bedford site became the Years 8-10 campus.

In the years that have elapsed, the College facilities have been upgraded and extended. At the same time, the College has graduated over 3,500 students who are now working in all walks of life. In 2003 after an extensive building programme; the two campuses merged onto the Beaufort Street site.

In the spirit of Caroline Chisholm, Chisholm students have been encouraged to develop "the heart and mind of Christ" and, like Caroline, to commit themselves to promoting "the common good" of the Chisholm community and the wider community. Like her, they have also been encouraged to be positive change agents, helping to create an Australian community where "peace and justice reign".