The site of the former Macedon Grammar, a private school recently shut down by the government, has been bought by author and educator John Marsden.

Mr Marsden is the author of many works of fiction for young adults including the Tomorrow series of books, which began with Tomorrow, When the War Began. He is also the founder and principal of Candlebark, a school which encourages 'active engagement' with the world, where students are taught to use axes, chainsaws, hammers, saws, mattocks, and other tools. According to Candlebark's website, the school's motto, 'if it had one', could be seen as 'take care, take risks'.

Candlebark's 2013 Annual Report, which contains the line '2013 was, like every year in the short history of Candlebark, redolent with good and bad moments, successes and failures, triumphs and disappointments', is a refreshing read. The report reflects the unique alternative education model of the school.

ABC News reports that Mr Marsden sought out the owner of Macedon Grammar, Dr Alan Rose, and negotiated to buy the site of the school, as well as its equipment and furniture. Dr Rose was reportedly the previous owner of Macedon Grammar, and the landlord of the school.

Macedon Grammar was recently shut down by the Victorian Registration and Qualifications Authority (VRQA), following concerns about financial management. External administrators were subsequently appointed.

According to The Age, the school will be 'arts-focused', and provided an alternative to the Victorian College of the Arts. The new school will cater for approximately 200 students.

The Monash Weekly reports more details of the new school. It quotes Mr Marsden as saying 'the plan is to open a full secondary school with a regular stream and a specialised stream for students wanting to do dance, arts, music, writing and so on'.

According to media reports, the process of registering the new school with the VRQA has not yet begun. The school is anticipated to open in 2016 if it is not able to open by the first half of 2015.

As Macedon Grammar's registration as a non-government school was cancelled, Mr Marsden will need to re-apply to register a new school.

For local students and the community, the future of the former Macedon Grammar site looks positive. Not all failed schools have enjoyed a similar fate.