In this publication, the researchers responsible for the implementation of PISA in Finland, try to open up some perspectives on the possible reasons underlying the high performance of Finnish students in PISA. There is, in fact, no one single explanation for the result. Rather, the successful performance of Finnish students seems to be attributable to a web of interrelated factors having to do with comprehensive pedagogy, students’ own interests and leisure activities, the structure of the education system, teacher education, school practices and, in the end, Finnish culture. Perspectives on this web of explanations will be opened up not only by analysing the results of PISA but also by considering some characteristics of the Finnish education system and its cultural heritage which, both at and outside school, can be thought to have contributed to Finland’s successful performance. This publication aims at raising questions and discussions as to how we can continue developing the school for the benefit of society and the young responsible for its future. The publication further aims at promoting mutual understanding of the diverse educational solutions found in various countries.