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Not quite. The middle classes still go. University places have increased dramatically and everyone is trying to sell sell sell their places to any teenager that looks their way. More positively there have been big campaigns to recruit more broadly, and all the government talk of getting 50% young people into HE did after all have some effect. Uni is almost a default choice among a much bigger section of society now. Students are also much more used to working regular jobs through study to pay their way. Obviously these things have both positive and negative impacts.
hoefla-
Indeed, it's interesting seeing what is happening amongst my nieces/nephews, some are approaching Uni age (the eldest is awaiting her results to see if she has got her place). Seems vastly different in approach/attitude than it did for me/friends 20+ years ago (although my sixth form college had a very rarefied atmosphere).
Greenbank
I think it means one or two things:-
a) Universities used to fill up their places from the middle classes. When fees came in fewer of them went, so there were more spaces for others. So it helped diversity indirectly.
b) The fees (and loans to cover them) coincided with an increase in the amount students could borrow to cover their living expenses, which meant that those without the savings (or help from parents) could now afford (by borrowing) to go to University.
But that's just my guess.