The number of GP trainees is set to increase by 15% this year, it was announced today.

So far the number applying for training in general practice is more than 500 larger than the same time last year, Health Education England said. The agency has set a target to recruit 3,500 trainees this year to help the government meet its target of increasing GP numbers by 6,000.

So far 3,441 doctors have accepted place on GP specialty training – and a further round of recruitment is under way, HEE said. A year ago at the same stage there were 2,891 applicants.

Health secretary Matt Hancock said: “This is fantastic news for the NHS: for the third year running GP trainee recruitment is breaking records. We’re now well on our way to beating our annual target, showing there is growing interest in this fantastic career. These new trainees will ensure a pipeline of talent for the future and help us deliver an extra 50 million appointments a year for patients as well as 6,000 more doctors in general practice.

“Growing the workforce will mean bigger teams of staff providing a wider range of care options for patients, and will free up more time for doctors to focus on those with more complex needs.”