Three intruders were spotted outside one of the houses at Malvern College just before Christmas last year, Worcester Crown Court heard.
A master chased one of them and took his picture with a digital camera, said prosecutor Glyn Samuel.
This led to the conviction for burglary of 21-year-old Alex Jackson, of Coniston Close, Malvern, after a trial at Hereford Crown Court. He had not gone into the house but was with a gang in a joint enterprise.
Jackson was given a 12-month supervision order and told to attend an enhanced thinking skills programme. He was ordered to pay £1,000 towards the costs of his trial.
He was also fined £30 after pleading guilty(admit) to breaching a conditional discharge imposed for shoplifting.
Two juveniles jointly charged with the Malvern burglary have been given community penalties.
Julian Harris, defending, said Jackson had moved away from the bad company he had been keeping. He had obtained a job as a metal worker in Bromsgrove and had the support of a girlfriend and his grandmother.
Recorder Freeman said the Malvern College offence occurred after Jackson had been drinking in excess. He was fortunate in having support in his new life.
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