Its not only the airline requirements you should be thinking about, it is your long term future and any competition thats out there for the jobs.
Airline has a choice, two guys or girls with similar flying experience, one with GCSEs the other with GCSEs, A-Levels and a degree? Who gets the job? Getting a higher education, in addition to getting more qualifications also shows a commitment to learn. Also whats your backup plan should you for some reason not be able to continue in aviation in the future due to unforseen circumstances, medical issues etc...
Sorry to be a doom merchant, but another year of study cant be that bad...