Academic or Vocational?

Academic qualifications, like GCSE and A-Levels, include traditional school subjects and are typically classroom-based, with more emphasis on theory than practice.
They are assessed externally through formal exams or externally moderated coursework.
E.g.  History, Biology, English Literature, Sociology.

Vocational qualifications, like BTECs, are career-focused with a real-world approach, so they are typically taught in a more hands-on way.  They are mostly assessed internally throughout the course, via practical assignments and coursework.
E.g.  Health & Social Care, IT Practitioners, Engineering.

Careerpilot has lots of information about your choices at 14, 16 and 18, plus routes to different qualifications and job sectors, and career tools to help you decide. See http://www.careerpilot.org.uk or download their app.