Founded by the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in 1931,[1] the college began as a boarding school for boys with a total enrolment of 68.

The school has an enrolment of approximately 290 boarders from regional Queensland, interstate and overseas, including indigenous students from communities such as Kowanyama and the Tiwi Islands.

The upper of the shield carries a gold gryphon, and the lower half bears the Maltese Cross of the State of Queensland.

One of the newest facilities at Downlands is its large Performing Arts department, catering for all age groups.

The College choirs and musical ensembles, as well as individual students, are regular participants in the Toowoomba Eisteddfod.