The latest statistics remain inconclusive. Fees do not appear to have had a large impact. Yet in terms of absolute numbers these groups continue to be dwarfed by enrolments from the managerial and professional classes. Much the biggest increase over the six years was in the second highest social grouping, up by 15,000 to 108,000 entrants in 1999 - over a third of all new students. The student population's social profile has in fact changed little in the past six years.
Universities remain an enclave for the privileged and prosperous.
A similar pattern exists for students from ethnic minorities. Arguably the most dramatic trend revealed by the figures is the ascendancy of women as the educationally superior sex. The university gender gap is widening every year. The emergence of female freshers as the majority of new students reflects stronger achievements throughout the education system. Women students are also less likely to drop out of degree courses than men.