Is there an alternative to testing all the kids?

[AB Asks]

A research organisation has proposed that samples of children would be tested to check standards in schools, rather than the present system of tests at 7, 11 and 14. Instead of all children taking tests, only a sample of children would. This is intended to produce "finer grain" results and reduce work for teachers. What do you think of this proposal? Would this simply be a step to far in meddling with the education system?

[choomp]

I think this is simply a way of cutting down costs in the education system and money is nowhere near as important as a child's education, although tests such as S.A.T'S can be stressful for young ppl they are also a taste of what's coming up in the future and much needed experience, as most children will take GCSE's and some AS and A2 levels. I don't think tests are the best form of education by far but they won't be going away any day soon...

[aviator]

To be honest it wouldn't be at all representative. I don't buy the tag "Giving teachers less work" because we have to continually assess the children anyway so SATs are not even sat on many occasions.
If they were to test only a few (like a sports drugs test) to check the assessments made by the teachers then that is understandable but the problem is not all teachers do as much assessment as they should to make this representative.