Javelin thrower Steve Turnock, from Liveton, struck gold at the England Athletics U17 and U15 Outdoor Championships, held at the Bedford International Stadium.
Turnock, who won silver at both the English Schools and the home internationals, turned the tables on the schools' gold medalist Sam Taylor-Outridge with a fine throw of 62.55m, with Outridge a close second with 61.82m.
'To finally win a national title after being so close, makes all the hard work and training worthwhile,' said Turnock.
'My coach George Eccles and my dad have worked hard with me all year, as have my teachers at South Dartmoor Community College, Ashburton.
'I would like to thank all of them, as well as my mum, who drives me all over the country to allow me to take part in athletics meetings.