Patricia Lankester is an educationalist who works independently in the areas of the arts, heritage and grant making. She taught humanities subjects in North London comprehensive schools for 8 years and for 2 years in an American community college. She also worked in the American heritage world.

She was the first National Trust Head of Education, tasked to establish and run its department across the UK. Thereafter she became Director of the Paul Hamlyn grant making foundation with its emphasis on working to combat disadvantage through arts, education and social justice projects, and effective partnerships.

She is a trustee of various charitable organisations, including the Tate, the National Gallery and the Sage Music Centre, and is professional adviser to a number of grant making bodies and charities.