EDUCATION : Eton Dresses Down for Town

LONDON — Eton College, the breeding ground of the British Establishment, has bowed to modern times by allowing the youths to go into town wearing jeans and open-necked shirts.

But if they look scruffy, the concession may be withdrawn, Headmaster Eric Anderson ruled.

Until now, the exclusive 550-year-old prep school west of London required boys crossing the single bridge into the neighboring town of Windsor to wear dress trousers, jackets and ties.

The change was recommended by a committee of teachers and senior pupils, said a statement issued today. The statement said there was no change in the rule requiring boys to wear tail coats and striped trousers in the classroom.