Calculate combined score with a retake.
Retake policies differ in one crucial parameter: how much of the new attempt counts. A full-replacement policy weights the retake at 100%; an averaging policy weights it at 50%; many departments sit somewhere between. The blend is a straightforward weighted average of the two attempts, after which any recorded cap is applied. The cap-loss figure is worth watching — under a capped policy a strong retake can earn marks that the transcript will never show, which changes whether the retake is worth sitting at all.
Combined score after a retake
Blend = first x (1 - retake weight) + retake x retake weight, then capped at the recorded maximum
Check the policy wording. 'Higher of the two' or 'replaces' means 100%. 'Averaged' means 50%. Anything described as 'the retake counts for 60% of the module mark' means enter that figure directly.
Under a capped policy the transcript records the cap no matter how well you do, so the only question is whether you clear it. The cap-loss figure shows the effort that produced no recorded benefit.
Usually yes — most institutions show both attempts even when only the later mark counts toward the award. Ask specifically whether the attempt history is visible to employers or graduate programmes.