Stephanie Sweet, 16, of White Horse View, South Shields, came second in the Gary Rhodes National Junior Chef 2006 competition.
The Harton Technology College pupil was one of six competitors chosen from 300 applicants to take part in the challenge.
She was awarded second prize and given a medal, a cheque for £150, a new uniform, a kitchen knife and a book by Rhodes, who was on the judging panel and met Stephanie during the event.
She said: "It was good to meet Gary Rhodes. He came into the kitchen area as we prepared our dishes, but he sampled menus in a separate room."
The competition was held at Thanet College in Kent, and Stephanie had to supply a written application outlining two dishes she would cook on the day, then prepare and cook them.
Her main meal was poached fillet of spring lamb with mint mousse and Mediterranean vegetables, followed by an Asian dessert platter consisting of coconut pannacotta, chocolate five-spice spring rolls, ginger crème brulee and sesame tuile.
Stephanie, who is also working towards an NVQ Level 1 in food preparation and cookery at South Tyneside College, said: "It was a great experience taking part in a national competition."
After leaving school this summer, Stephanie hopes to continue her hospitality and catering studies at the college.
Chris Braybrook, her deputy headteacher at Harton, said: "Stephanie has made great progress over the last two years, and her success in this competition is outstanding.
"We are very proud of her achievements."
By ANGELA TAGGART
angela.taggart@northeast-press.co.uk