This chapter introduces the characteristics of the current senior cycle in Ireland to understand the review process and its potential development. It identifies several strengths: senior cycle aims to cater to the needs of different types of students; its Transition Year is highly valued by students; in general terms, the formal aims and learning methodologies stated in senior cycle programmes seem to be aligned with international good practice; and the final assessment enjoys high levels of trust.On the other hand, there are issues in the current senior cycle that require attention: the vision of senior cycle does not appear to be fully aligned with Ireland’s future aspirations; the final Leaving Certificate assessment seems to drive (excessively) decisions that students, parents, teachers and schools make; there is perception of misalignment with the recent junior cycle reform among some stakeholders; and there is a perception that limited resources might jeopardise effective provision of a broad range of subject choices in disadvantaged schools.