The Curriculum Council was established on 1 August 1997, and assumed responsibility for the operational and business functions of the former Secondary Education Authority (1984-1997). The Council had a statutory responsibility to develop a curriculum outline for all Western Australian schools, covering both government and non-government schools and all years from Kindergarten to Year 12.

The Curriculum Council consisted of a chair appointed by the Minister, the chief executive officer of the Council secretariat and 11 other persons appointed by the Minister.

On 29 February 2012, the Curriculum Council ceased operation as a consequence of the proclamation of the Curriculum Council Amendment Act 2011. The amendment act abolished the Curriculum Council and established the School Curriculum and Standards Authority (SCSA). All existing functions previously undertaken by the Curriculum Council were transferred to the Authority.