I did my year 11 work experience in my local FTO down in Exeter, and my 6th form work experience at Air Southwest in Plymouth in July. Got to examine the a/c,(got a nice pic of me in the captains seat!), sit in on a flight to Jersey, and do a walk round with the FO. So the airlines haven't completely stopped work experience, but Plymouth is small compared to Gatwick or Heathrow, and Air Southwest is very small compared to BA! All I can suggest is you apply anyway, and as others have said, ask around your local schools. You never know what might turn up!
Best of luck
h