The College is a co-educational day and boarding school situated in Forbes, which is located in the Central Western region of New South Wales.  Prior to 1977, the Catholic education of students in this region was provided by three secondary schools; Our Lady of Mercy College, Forbes; Our Lady of Mercy High School, Parkes; and Marist Brothers' College, Forbes.

In February 1977, these three schools combined to form one co-educational High School, with the name of Red Bend Catholic College, at the site of the former Marist Brothers' College, on the banks of the Lachlan River. This merger, as symbolised on the College Crest, brought together the great teaching traditions of the Mercy Sisters and the Marist Brothers.

Since that time,  numbers have expanded in teaching areas, and in facilities. The boarding residences, the swimming pool, the Multi-Purpose Hall and Performing Arts Centre, and the Design and Technology Centre have complemented the strong characteristic features of the main College building. These days the College educates 850 students and offers 170 boarding places.

'Through Difficulties to Greatness' is the college motto. We aspire to create an environment which enables individuals to develop spiritually, intellectually, physically, culturally and socially, so our students may participate in society as good Christians and good citizens.